Chief financial officer Blaise Ingoglia awards over 1.4 million dollars to strengthen fire departments across multiple Florida communities

Bradenton, Florida – In a continued push to strengthen emergency response and improve firefighter safety across the state, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has announced the awarding of more than $1.4 million in funding to support fire departments in multiple counties. The financial support, distributed to five fire departments, is aimed at improving equipment, training, and long-term safety for firefighters who face increasingly complex emergencies.

The announcement was made in Bradenton, Florida, where state and local fire officials gathered to highlight how the funding will directly impact operations on the ground. The grants are part of a broader effort led by the Florida Department of Financial Services to improve emergency preparedness while also addressing long-term health risks faced by firefighters, including exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, emphasized the importance of ensuring firefighters have the resources they need not only to respond to emergencies, but also to protect themselves after the fact.

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“As State Fire Marshal, it is a privilege to support Florida’s firefighters who continually run towards danger to protect their communities. It is imperative that firefighters have all the tools and equipment they need to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations, and the tools to protect themselves after a fire from the cancer-causing chemicals they may have come in contact with. This funding is a step forward in ongoing efforts to protect firefighters and the communities they serve.”

His remarks underscored a growing concern in the fire service community: the long-term health effects of repeated exposure to hazardous environments. Modern firefighting, officials say, is not only about extinguishing flames but also about reducing risk during and after incidents.

The funding package was met with strong support from fire service leaders across the state, many of whom emphasized the real-world impact these investments will have on their departments and communities.

Florida Professional Firefighters District Vice President Jason Berzowski expressed appreciation for the continued attention to firefighter safety and well-being.

“Firefighters work every day to serve and protect their communities. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for bringing awareness to firefighter health and safety and for your continued support of the firefighter community.”

Local fire chiefs also highlighted how the funding will directly enhance their operational capabilities. In Hardee County, Public Safety Director Casey Dasher pointed to the acquisition of new brush fire trucks as a critical upgrade.

“Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for awarding us today with the money to purchase brush fire trucks. This will help us respond more effectively and efficiently to fast-moving fires that threaten our community.”

In DeSoto County, Fire Chief Chad Jergensen noted that the funding will support the development of a new fire training tower. Officials say the structure will allow firefighters to simulate real-life fire conditions, improving readiness and response times.

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“By establishing a new fire training tower, we can better prepare our firefighters to put out fires quicker, limit property damage, and save lives. I am grateful to CFO Ingoglia for awarding this funding to our department.”

Other departments emphasized the changing nature of fire emergencies and the increasing need for advanced tools and equipment. East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst described today’s fire conditions as more complex and dangerous than in the past, highlighting the importance of ongoing investment in firefighter safety.

“The fires we see today are much more complex and devastating than ever before. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for awarding funding that allows us to continue to look after the brave men and women who serve tirelessly in this role.”

Similarly, Parrish Fire Rescue Chief Stacey Bailey stressed that the funding represents a direct investment in public safety, enabling faster and more effective emergency response across multiple types of incidents.

“I want to extend my gratitude to CFO Ingoglia for strengthening our ability to respond to any and all emergencies. This money is an investment in public safety that guarantees we have better capabilities to save lives and property. Thank you for making the safety of our heroes your passion!”

Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi also acknowledged the importance of state-level support in ensuring firefighters have access to proper equipment and protective gear.

“Florida’s firefighters are incredibly thankful to have a State Fire Marshal that remains dedicated to supporting us with necessary equipment and protective gear to quickly offer help to the residents we serve.”

The funding distributed in this latest round comes from several grant programs administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services, including the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant and the Firefighter Assistance Grant. These programs are designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities while reducing firefighters’ exposure to harmful substances encountered during and after fires.

According to state officials, the grants help cover the cost of essential equipment, supplies, and training programs that improve both safety and performance in the field. In addition to these ongoing grant initiatives, additional funding has also been included in the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 state budget to further support fire service agencies.

The breakdown of the latest awards includes targeted investments in both infrastructure and equipment. East Manatee Fire Rescue District received $12,248.25 through the Cancer Decontamination Grant, while the Town of Longboat Key received $7,976.29 under the same program. Parrish Fire District was awarded $20,672.20 through the Firefighter Assistance Grant.

The largest allocations came through the state budget. DeSoto County will receive $1,000,000 for the construction of a new fire training tower, while Hardee County will receive $400,000 to purchase new brush fire trucks.

Taken together, these investments reflect a broader statewide effort to modernize fire services while prioritizing the health and safety of first responders. For many departments, the funding represents not just financial assistance, but a meaningful step toward stronger training, better equipment, and safer working conditions for the men and women who respond when emergencies strike.

As Florida continues to face growing population demands and increasingly complex fire risks, officials say continued investment in fire services will remain a priority in the years ahead.