Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia announces over five million dollars in funding to improve firefighter safety and training across the state

Sebring, Florida – Florida’s firefighters are receiving a significant boost in resources this year as Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia announced more than $5 million in funding to support fire departments across the state. The funding, aimed at enhancing firefighter safety, training, and infrastructure, is expected to improve emergency response capabilities and better protect both first responders and the communities they serve.

“As State Fire Marshal of Florida, I am committed to the safety of our firefighters and the communities they serve. By investing in these fire departments, we are strengthening their ability to respond quickly and effectively when lives are on the line. Whether it is new equipment or better training, my goal is to make sure firefighters have what they need to do their job to the best of their ability,” said CFO Blaise Ingoglia.

The funding comes through a combination of the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment (FCDE) Grant Program and the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget. The FCDE program provides financial support to help fire departments purchase specialized equipment, supplies, and training to mitigate exposure to hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals commonly found in fire environments.

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Okeechobee County Fire Department and Sebring Fire Department are among the departments receiving grants through the FCDE program, with Okeechobee County receiving $19,599.75 and Sebring Fire Department receiving $7,497. These grants allow departments to obtain decontamination tools and other safety equipment designed to reduce the risk of long-term health issues for firefighters exposed to toxic substances.

“The CFO knows how important firefighter safety is. The awards ensure that firefighters have access to the resources they need to do their job. This is crucial to strengthen emergency response capabilities,” said Florida Fire Chief Association President Trip Barrs, highlighting the significance of these investments for the state’s first responders.

Local fire chiefs also expressed gratitude for the support. Sebring Fire Chief Robert “Bobby” Border said, “Firefighters risk their lives to protect the people and property in our communities. This funding is a major step forward in protecting Floridians. We are grateful to CFO Ingoglia for recognizing and supporting the needs of local fire departments like ours.” Similarly, Okeechobee Fire Chief Earl Wooten remarked, “I want to thank the CFO for his leadership and commitment. We proudly stand with him and his mission to reduce the risk that first responders face every day.”

In addition to the FCDE grants, the FY 2025-2026 Budget allocates significant funds to support infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades. These investments will help ensure that fire departments are equipped with modern facilities, advanced tools, and essential vehicles needed to respond effectively to emergencies. Highlights of the awards include $500,000 for the Highlands County Lake Placid Fire Station, $2 million for citywide public safety improvements in Okeechobee, $1 million for Okeechobee County Fire Rescue Station #5, and $1.5 million to purchase an aerial ladder truck for the Sebring Fire Department.

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The combination of equipment grants and infrastructure investments represents a comprehensive approach to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of Florida’s fire departments. By addressing both the immediate risks posed by hazardous materials and the broader need for modernized facilities and vehicles, the state is working to provide firefighters with the tools and support they need to save lives.

“These investments are about more than equipment or buildings,” Ingoglia said. “They are about ensuring our communities are safer, and our firefighters are prepared to meet any challenge. Every dollar we invest today strengthens the ability of our fire departments to respond quickly, efficiently, and safely when emergencies occur.”

The funding announcement in Sebring underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to first responders. With safer equipment, enhanced training, and improved infrastructure, Florida’s fire departments are better positioned to protect residents and property while reducing risks to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day.

As Florida continues to grow and face diverse emergencies, these strategic investments aim to keep both firefighters and communities safer, ensuring that first responders have the resources, training, and support necessary to perform their vital duties.