The Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge winners were announced at the 95th Annual Sullivan County Volunteer Fireman’s Parade on Saturday in Livingston Manor.

Monticello Fire Department took first place with an impressive 867 points, receiving a grant in the amount of $15,000. Their dedication was evident through 95 healthy meal replacements, 341 physical activities, weight loss check-ins, weekly yoga sessions and an eight-month water intake challenge.

Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department secured second place with 664 points and will receive a $10,000 grant, thanks to support from the 2024 98.3 WSUL Heart-a-thon. They participated in a Garnet Health nutrition course, organized weekly litter plucks and engaged in health podcasts and mental health discussions. Their efforts included 100 healthy meals, 152 physical activities and a basketball competition with Roscoe School District.

New this year, departments could earn grants ranging from $250 to $2,000 through an 8-tiered point system.

Turtle Awards, valued at $500 each, were given to recognize outstanding efforts in various health-related categories. These awards, sponsored by local businesses and organizations, will be delivered to individual departments over the coming months. The categories included mental health, nutrition, physical activity, camaraderie and spirit and community collaboration.

Grahamsville Fire Department earned two Turtle Awards for increasing physical activity and improving mental health, with a total of 489 points. Kauneonga Lake Fire Department, with 405 points, received five Turtle Awards for their achievements in physical activity, mental health, nutrition, camaraderie and spirit and community collaboration.

Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department, with 227 points, received four Turtle Awards for their work in physical activity, nutrition, camaraderie and spirit and community collaboration. Jeffersonville Fire Department earned one Turtle Award with 203 points for their focus on mental health. Hortonville Fire Department, with 167 points, was recognized for their efforts to improve nutrition.

Since the challenge began in January, 19 departments have participated, completing activities aimed at boosting physical and mental health. These activities included serving healthier meals, hiking, attending health seminars and engaging in water consumption and weight loss challenges.

A special thanks to the 2024 Turtle Award sponsors: 98.3 WSUL Heart-A-Thon, Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills, Jeff Bank, NYSEG, Prestige Towing & Recovery, Resorts World Catskills, Rotary Clubs of Liberty & Monticello, Schmidt’s Wholesale, Inc., Sullivan Fire Protection Corp., and Thompson Sanitation.