MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia on Thursday announced more than $1.4 million in funding for fire departments across the state, expanding ongoing efforts to address cancer risks and mental health challenges among first responders.
Speaking at a press conference in Manatee County, Ingoglia said the funding will support decontamination equipment, training infrastructure and other resources aimed at reducing long-term health risks tied to firefighting.
“Today, we are proud to award over $1.4 million to protect our firefighters from dangerous cancer-causing chemicals and to ensure that our fire infrastructure is ready for any and all emergencies ahead,” Ingoglia said.
The funding includes grants through the state’s firefighter cancer decontamination program and firefighter assistance program, along with legislative appropriations for local projects.
Several departments received smaller equipment grants, while larger allocations included $1 million for a fire training tower in DeSoto County and $400,000 for brush fire trucks in Hardee County.
Ingoglia said firefighters face elevated cancer risks due to exposure to toxic materials in modern fires, including plastics and chemicals that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
“That’s why we are seeing firefighters with a higher rate of certain types of cancer,” he said.
Local fire officials said the funding will help reduce those risks and improve long-term safety.
“This investment significantly reduces exposure to harmful contaminants, helping to lower our job-specific health risk,” Parrish Fire Rescue Chief Stacy Bailey said.
Ingoglia also emphasized mental health concerns within the profession, describing suicide among first responders as an increasing issue and encouraging those struggling to seek support.
“The more we discuss these topics in public, the better off we will be as a state and as a community,” he said.
Since taking office, Ingoglia said he has directed more than $28 million toward firefighter support statewide.
