SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Winners of the 2025 Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge were announced at the 96th annual Sullivan County Volunteer Fireman’s Parade, held recently in Monticello.

Securing first place with a total of 953 points, the Grahamsville Fire Department will receive a grant of $15,000. Grahamsville completed 160 healthy meal replacements, 305 physical activities, weight loss check-ins, weekly health-and-wellness podcasts and an eight-month-long water intake challenge. The first-place grant was made possible in part by Resorts World Catskills.

In second place with a total of 673 points, Kauneonga Lake Fire Department will receive a grant of $10,000. Kauneonga Lake participated in a nutrition course with Ellenville Regional Hospital, organized weekly litter plucks, as well as an eight-month sleep study and department discussions on mental health. The department shared 33 healthy meals and 52 physical activities and participated in several community events.

Turtle Awards of $500 were given to departments in recognition of their efforts in specific areas related to building a culture of health among their members. These categories include mental health awareness, improved nutrition, increased physical activity, camaraderie and spirit, and community collaboration. The awards, sponsored by various businesses and organizations, were announced at the parade and will be delivered to individual departments over the coming months.

Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department received five Turtle Awards with 420 points, recognizing its work to increase physical activity; improve mental health, nutrition, camaraderie and spirit; and community collaboration. In addition, Rebecca Wood received Challenge Captain of the Year, earning the department an additional award. Jeffersonville Fire Department placed fourth in the challenge with 201points, and received two Turtle Awards for nutrition and a focus on mental health.

Hortonville Fire Department received two Turtle Awards with 109 points, in recognition of its efforts to increase physical activity and nutrition. Livingston Manor Fire Department received one Turtle Award with 83 points for its display of community collaboration. White Lake Fire Department received one Turtle Award with 64 points for its camaraderie and spirit. Finally, Bloomingburg Fire Department, with 56 points, received a Turtle Award for camaraderie and spirit.

Since January, when the challenge kicked off, 17 departments have engaged in activities (challenges) to enhance the physical and mental health of members. Departments received credit in the form of Turtle Points for each health-focused activity completed. Activities ranged from serving healthier meals during drill and meeting nights, joining as a department family and hiking or walking local trails, attending health-related seminars and becoming trained in suicide prevention. There were also water consumption and weight loss challenges.

The Turtle Award sponsors include 98.3 WSUL Heart-A-Thon; Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning; Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills; Jeff Bank; Prestige Towing & Recovery; Resorts World Catskills; Rotary Clubs of Liberty & Monticello; Schmidt’s Wholesale, Inc.; Sullivan Fire Protection Corp.; and Thompson Sanitation. 

Learn more at www.Sullivan180.org.