Off To a Hot Start as the Temperature Drops!  

[LIBERTY, NY] - The Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge kicked off a third year on January 1, 2025. To date, 15 of Sullivan County’s Volunteer Fire Departments have signed on to participate. As temperatures dropped during the wintery months of the challenge, departments braved the icy waters of White Lake at the Freeze for A Cause Polar Plunge in support of Alzheimer’s research.

“Sullivan 180 offering Turtle Points for fire company participation is what really helped push this event over the top. The donations from departments, members and spectators have brought in over $2,000.00 to the Alzheimer’s Association. Having seven fire companies participate was amazing,” said Terry Grafmuller, 11-year jumper in the Subzero Hero Alzheimer event.

2025 Participating Fire Departments: Bloomingburg, Callicoon Center, Grahamsville, Hortonville, Jeffersonville, Kauneonga Lake, Liberty, Livingston Manor, Lumberland, Monticello, Narrowsburg-Lava, Rock Hill, Roscoe-Rockland, Smallwood-Mongaup Valley, White Lake, and Woodbourne.

“In just the first few months of the Challenge, our dedicated volunteer firefighters have completed an impressive 200 health-focused activities!” said Lindsay Wheat Sullivan 180 Outreach Program Manager. “They have powered through 100 physical activities to stay active outdoors; and prioritized wellness through screenings, completing mental health training videos, and turning up the heat in the kitchen by swapping out pizza for nutritious, home-cooked meals!

The challenge calls attention to the mental and physical health of our firefighters. Firefighting is physically and emotionally demanding from the moment the tones drop. More than half of all firefighters have elevated blood pressure; are obese and pre-diabetic. 90% 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.

To make this challenge fun and competitive, departments receive credit in the form of ‘turtle points’ for each health focused activity they complete. The department that earns the most turtles will be eligible for grant funding through Sullivan 180 and our partners.

The grant level is based on the final points completed by September 1, 2025. The two departments that earn 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. Winners will be announced at the Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Parade in Monticello on September 6, 2025.

Last year, Monticello Fire was named the Healthiest Fire Department and awarded a well-deserved grant in the amount of $15,000. Roscoe-Rockland Fire was awarded a $10,000 grant, coming in second. To follow the challenge and its participating departments, visit Sullivan180.org.