LIBERTY, NY — Sullivan 180 Outreach Coordinator Nicole Blais made a presentation at the first annual New York Women in Fire Day, held in Albany. Hosted by the Westmere Fire Department, the conference welcomed attendees from 17 counties throughout New York State, including four representatives from Sullivan County. The day featured presentations on topics including health and wellness, grant writing, leadership and emergency response.

Blais discussed the Healthiest Fire Department Challenge as a replicable framework for fire department health and wellness. The challenge is a health and wellness competition for Sullivan County firefighters that supports the creation of healthy habits and routines focusing on physical, nutritional and mental health. Her presentation explained how the challenge is engaging firefighters with movement and activities around creating healthy habits and routines.

“It was inspiring being able to present about the Healthiest Fire Department Challenge and the amazing work being done in Sullivan County fire departments to a room full of firefighters passionate about connecting, learning, sharing experiences and empowering women in the fire service,” said Blais.

Women in Fire champions female leadership and participation within the fire and emergency services. The coalition represents hundreds of individuals, both male and female, contributing to fire and emergency services in various roles, including career and volunteer firefighters, union officials, fire service educators and research scientists. 

It is estimated that there are over one million firefighters in the United States and only 90,000 are female.

The Healthiest Fire Department Challenge is currently gearing up for a fifth year of health and “a little healthy competition,” Sullivan 180 wrote. Departments interested in signing up for the 2027 Challenge can email Blais at Nicole@Sullivan180.org.

Learn more at www.Sullivan180.org or www.Facebook.com/Sullivan180inc.