Sullivan County Fire Departments Turn Wellness into a Team Effort

For volunteer firefighters, staying healthy is about more than being ready to respond to an emergency. It’s also about finding ways to maintain physical fitness, eat well and support one another through the demands of the job.

Sullivan 180’s Healthiest Fire Department Challenge brings departments together in a friendly competition built around three areas of wellness: physical health, nutrition and mental health. Now completing its fourth year and preparing for a fifth, the challenge encourages firefighters to develop sustainable habits through activities ranging from group walks and weight training to healthy meals, yoga and hydration challenges.

Nicole Blais, who coordinates the program for Sullivan 180, says the goal is to make healthier choices part of firehouse culture.

“The goal is not simply for someone to participate in one workout, attend one class, or earn one point,” she said. “It’s about making those healthier choices something that’s incorporated into the culture of their firehouses.”

The Livingston Manor Fire Department finished second in this year’s competition. Cameron Hoag, who helped organize his department’s participation, said weekly messages outlining activities gave members opportunities to take part around their other commitments.

Activities included group walks, hikes, weight training and a challenge to drink at least 60 ounces of water a day.

Hoag said persistence and organization helped keep members engaged. Some firefighters told her the program had helped them lose weight, feel better or find new motivation.

“I feel like the part that I noticed the most that impacted us all was when I had multiple members approach me and say, ‘Hey, thank you for, like, helping out,'” she said.

Katrina Blais of the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department, who was named Challenge Captain of the Year, said successful participation starts with making activities enjoyable and manageable.

“It can just be taking a walk or meeting for a snack or doing yoga every week,” she said. “Definitely not picking overwhelming activities, but then having fun with it.”

Her department organized yoga sessions, an Easter egg hunt and a winter scavenger hunt to encourage members to spend time together. She said those opportunities helped strengthen relationships among firefighters, including older members and those whose children had moved away.

Hoag said the challenge can also help bring younger people into the fire service. Her department’s cadets, including those under 18, have embraced the competition.