Below is an official statement from Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, who also serves as the State Fire Marshal.
Florida State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia highlighted $1.4 million in funding to Florida fire departments to ensure that they have the equipment they need to protect their communities and to protect themselves while on the job.
“Our firefighters put their communities first every day they are on the job,” Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said. “Whether it is fighting a residential fire, responding to medical emergencies or safely installing a car seat for new parents, our firefighters are the backbones of our communities. On the eve of Sept. 11th, I was proud to award $1.4 million in funds to ensure that our firefighters have the equipment they need to safely perform their jobs.”
Florida Professional Firefighters President Bernie Bernoska said, “CFO Ingoglia continues to put firefighter health and safety first. By prioritizing cancer decontamination, he’s making sure Florida’s firefighters have the tools to protect themselves from the dangers of the job and I am glad that our CFO has made that a top priority.”
Florida Fire Chiefs Association President Trip Barrs said, “Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect their communities. As a firefighter, I know how important it is to have the equipment for decontamination after responding to an emergency, and I am thankful for today’s awards to purchase that life-saving equipment. I want to thank the CFO for ensuring that our firefighters have the funds they need to safely perform their duties.”
The Sanford Airport Authority received $1,040,000 for the Sanford Aircraft Rescue firefighting vehicle replacement. Governor Ron DeSantis approved these funds in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget.
Additionally, the Department of Financial Services awards funds through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment (FCDE) Grant Program and the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program. The FCDE Grant provides financial assistance to help fire departments procure equipment, supplies, and educational training to mitigate exposure to hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals. The Firefighter Assistance Grant provides funds to improve the emergency response capability of volunteer and combination fire departments and provide financial assistance to improve firefighter safety.
Awards made through the Firefighter Assistance Grant:
• Satellite Beach Fire Department – $61,767.05
• Inverness Fire Department – $52,143.50
Awards made through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant:
• Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Department – $42,525.00
• Titusville Fire Department – $36,446.10
• Haines City Fire Department – $35,625.00
• Lake County Fire Rescue – $23,476.10
• Mount Dora Fire Department – $28,206.00
• New Smyrna Beach Fire Department – $23,421.50
• Minneola Fire Rescue – $21,000.00
• Auburndale Fire Department – $13,955.00
• DeLand Fire Department – $10,507.39
• Lake Mary Fire Department – $8,268.75
• Cocoa Beach Fire Department – $7,297.50
• Daytona Beach Fire Department – $5,874.00
• Orlando Fire Department – $5,342.77
