LIBERTY- The 2024 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge launched on January 1, 2024, with 20 of Sullivan County’s Volunteer Fire Departments have joined. At the halfway point in the 8-month long challenge, almost 1,000 activities have been completed by local volunteer firefighters!
2024 Participating Departments: Bloomingburg, Grahamsville, Highland Lake, Hortonville, Hurleyville, Jeffersonville, Kauneonga Lake, Lake Huntington, Livingston Manor, Loch Sheldrake, Lumberland, Monticello, Narrowsburg, Rock Hill, Roscoe-Rockland, Smallwood-Mongaup Valley, White Lake, Woodridge, Wurtsboro, Youngsville.
The challenge calls attention to the mental and physical health of our firefighters. From the moment the tones drop, a firefighter’s heart rate increases 47 beats per minute. Firefighting is physically and emotionally demanding. More than half of all firefighters have elevated blood pressure, are obese and pre-diabetic. Ninety percent or more have poor diet or exercise habits, additionally, suffering from heart disease, PTSD and lead in suicide more than any other first responder. Firefighters are consistently managing the balance between family, work and serving their community. Absorbing the trauma of each call has impacts that are not always visible or obvious.
Departments receive credit in the form of ‘turtle points’ for each health focused activity they complete. The two departments earning the most turtle points will be eligible for a grant in the amount of $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. Additional grants will be awarded based on a tiered point system. All winners will be announced at the Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Parade in Livingston Manor on September 7, 2024.
“Seeing the department getting together and answering the challenge and taking steps to becoming healthier is inspiring,” Retired Arizona Fire Chief, Alan Brunacini said. “Firefighters hate two things- change and the way things are, but I think the Healthiest Fire Department Challenge proves just how untrue that statement is. The bond that we’re building and the way we’ve all bought into making these healthy changes has made such a positive impact on the department in just a few short months,” said Anthony Morgano, Challenge Captain for Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department.
The competition is in full swing, and the departments are vying to be named Sullivan County’s Healthiest Fire Department. To follow their progress and watch live tally of leading departments, visit Sullivan180.org.
