PRESSURE CHECK Cameron Hoag takes the blood pressure of firefighter Daniel Wolcott. Weekly blood pressure monitoring is part of the effort to make the firefighters more aware of their health. Eva Wells photo
It will be a healthier LMFD
Dept. accepts Sullivan 180’s challenge
By Eva Wells | Manor Ink
Livingston Manor, NY – Sullivan 180 and firefighters, what do they have in common? Well, Sullivan 180 is a nonprofit organization that strives to keep Sullivan County healthy, and the firefighters are the heroes that keep us safe. A study done in 2020 ranked Sullivan County as one of the least healthy counties in New York, and Sullivan 180 wanted to flip that one degree at a time. That’s what 180 stands for – 180 degrees.
The organization came up with a way to keep firefighters fit and healthy while they earn cash that can be used to purchase items for the department. By participating in various challenges like taking walks, eating healthier and drinking more water instead of soda and sugary drinks, they earn points toward monetary awards. There are 17 fire departments currently competing this year.
“We’ve been doing a lot of exercises, trying to get healthier, but it’s also a group bonding activity.”
Manor Ink interviewed George Dolce and Cameron Hoag, two of the LMFD’s firefighters, to learn about the department’s participation. This is the third year they’ve entered the challenge, and with the money the department won last year, they upgraded their kitchen equipment. But they aren’t participating just for money, they also want to have fun and stay healthier.
As Dolce, the safety officer said, “You know, we’re actually doing it just for our health and wellbeing. It’s about trying to change a thought process within the department that we can actually enjoy healthier foods, a healthier lifestyle. We have a really good bunch of people, but if we get things a little healthier for everybody, it’d be better off.”
BETTER FOOD Members of the LMFD contribute healthy snacks to the hamlet’s Little Pantry. They are, from left, Neil Mancuso, Gordon LeRoy, Brett Marsden, AJ Barotti and Charlie Roser. sullivan180.org photo
Some challenges they have already completed have also benefitted the community. Manor firefighters have participated in litter plucks and have made donations to a local food pantry. In June, a chef will visit and teach the department how to cook healthier meals. Each Monday, while doing drills in their gear, which can weigh up to 70 pounds, members’ blood pressures are taken and healthy snacks are eaten.
“It also does boost morale,” said Hoag. “We’ve been doing a lot of exercises, trying to get healthier, but it’s also a group bonding activity.”
For a challenge to earn points, there must be at least five department members participating. “We all have personal lives, we all have jobs, we have other commitments,” added Dolce. “So to get people together, it takes a lot. It’s definitely a lot to be proud of.”
Both Dolce and Hoag agreed that the challenge is helping firefighters lead healthier lives. “They are eating better foods, drinking more water and they’re acknowledging that we need to change,” said Dolce. “That’s the key idea.”