SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — The Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge concluded on September 1; winners will be announced at the 95th annual Sullivan County Volunteer Fireman’s Parade on Saturday, September 7, hosted by Livingston Manor Fire Company. 

The two departments that earn the most “turtle points” will be eligible for grants of $15,000 and $10,000 respectively. Additional grants will be awarded based on a tiered system and “Turtle Awards” of $500 will be given to departments that excelled in specific health-based activities.

 “Each year, nearly 100 American firefighters die in the line of duty,” said Scott Shulte, commissioner of public safety for the county. “Among those tragedies, nearly half are potentially avoidable by making lifestyle changes to reduce stress-related illness. Certainly, the fire service in general is well aware of these risks—many have worked for decades to educate firefighters on the benefits of healthy living—and thankfully there has been some success to that end. But the truth is, much more needs to be done, and I can think of no greater initiative to directly combat firefighter health-related death and injury than wellness programs like The Healthiest Fire Department Challenge.” 

Since January when the challenge kicked off, 19 departments have engaged in activities to enhance the physical and mental health of their members. Departments received credit for each health-focused activity they completed. Activities ranged from serving healthier meals during drill and meeting nights, hiking or walking local trails, attending health-related seminars and becoming trained in suicide prevention. 

There were even water consumption and weight loss challenges, sleep tracking and sugar shakedowns; the last is a way of counting sugar intake and going sugar-free. 

The parade steps off at 2 p.m. on the corner of Rock Avenue and Main Street by the Citgo, and ends at the Livingston Manor Firehouse, which is located at 93 Main St. The award ceremony begins at approximately 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to watch the parade and cheer on the departments. 

Sullivan 180 is working to build a healthy community, one degree at a time, through people, places and policy. Learn more at www.Sullivan180.org or www.Facebook.com/Sullivan180inc.