The Sayville Fire Department was chosen to compete against three other fire departments in the Quaker Oats Oatmeal Challenge in September. They competed against Denver, San Francisco and Chicago. The goal was to have firefighters eat three servings of oatmeal per day for one month and measure its affects on their cholesterol. The $5,000 grand prize would go to the department that lowers their cholesterol the most.

Overall, the Sayville competitors came in second out of the four fire departments. Although they did not win the $5,000 Grand Prize, they were recently given a free defibrillator for having over 20 participants in the Oatmeal Challenge. Because early care is critical when someone goes into cardiac arrest, members of the Sayville Fire Department are trained in CPR and the use of an automatic external defibrillator. Several of their trucks already carry a defibrillator. Because the Chief is usually first to respond to a scene, it made sense to add this particular defibrillator to the equipment on his vehicle.

Some Sayville Fire Department competitors from left to right
Tino Martino, Sue Kubelle, Captain Thomas Pantano, 1st Asst. Chief Roy Verspoor, Lieutenant Bill Roderka, John Covais, Lieutenant George Meindl, Ex-Chief Robert Chester
 

Over 20 firefighters and one member’s wife all had their blood tested during the morning of the first day of the challenge. They picked out a one-month supply of Quaker oatmeal products. Shortly after they were also given counseling by a nutritionist, where they discussed food choices and exercise. The group had their cholesterol levels tested after doing the challenge for 30 days. Laura Skalkowski, the wife of Jim Skalkowski, had lowered her cholesterol more than any other participant. She attributes the good results to sticking to her oatmeal commitment, eating sensibly and exercising.

Chief Mark Beekman said “I’m happy that members took the time and effort to participate in the Oatmeal Challenge. Not only did their health improve, but the community will benefit from another piece of life-saving equipment.”