Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia Awards Over $8.2 Million to Support Florida Firefighters
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Firefighters take monumental risks every day to serve their communities. It is my honor and privilege to be Florida’s State Fire Marshal and to help provide first responders with the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely. This funding will greatly benefit fire departments by helping them to be better equipped and prepared to save lives.”
Assistant Chief Motes, Clay County Assistant Fire Chief, said, “I am incredibly thankful for CFO Ingoglia’s support of our firefighters. Whether it’s better facilities or gear, these funds are a huge step forward for the Clay County Fire Department. Not only is this a win for the department, but it is a win for the community.”
Tripp Barrs, President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, said, “Today’s awards give firefighters the resources needed to do their jobs efficiently. These reinforcements help residents sleep better at night knowing that their fire departments have strong response capabilities. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for your dedication to Florida’s first responders.”
Randy Wyse, District Vice President of Florida Professional Firefighters, said, “CFO Ingoglia has shown real commitment to Florida’s firefighters—backing cancer prevention efforts and making sure departments in small communities aren’t left behind. We appreciate his work to help ensure firefighters have the necessary equipment, training and resources to respond quickly when Florida communities need us.”
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) provides funds through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program. The funding is aimed towards protecting the health and safety of firefighters by providing the necessary education, supplies, and equipment to reduce exposure to hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals.
Funding is also provided through the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program which is meant to improve emergency response capabilities and enable fire departments to provide more effective firefighting, emergency medial, and rescue services to their communities.
CFO Ingoglia additionally awarded funds appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. These awards consist of a public safety complex for Clay County, a land purchase for St. Augustine, the Crescent City Fire/ EMS Station Project, and a pumper tanker fire apparatus for Baker County.
Awards made through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Program
- Fernandina Beach Fire Department- $31,341
- City of Palm Coast- $26,000
- Alachua County Fire Rescue- $26,624
- City of Chiefland- $12,000
Awards made through the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program
- City of Fanning Springs $111,300
- Baker County Fire Rescue- $54,625
- Chiefland Fire Rescue- $51,764
- Columbia County- $40,861
- Dixie County Fire Rescue- $424,450
- Town of Lacrosse- $62,147
- Madison County Volunteer Fire Department-$75,000
- Live Oak Fire Department- $80,200
Awards funded in the FY 2025-2026 Budget
- Clay County Public Safety Complex- $2 million
- St. Augustine Land purchase on Anatasia Blvd- $2.5 million
- Crescent City Fire/EMS Station Project- $2 million
- Baker County Pumper Tanker Fire Apparatus- $900,000