BEVERLY HILLS, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia awarded over $5.5 million dollars to seven local Florida fire departments. This funding supports the purchase of lifesaving equipment for firefighters and will help bolster emergency response infrastructure.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Florida has the best firefighters in the nation that work hard to respond quickly and effectively to all emergencies. While they serve our communities, there are many job-related challenges that our firefighters face every day that impact their safety and long-term health. Our hometown heroes and their dedication deserve our investment to protect the ones that put their lives on the line every day.”

Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens said, “We are incredibly grateful for CFO Ingoglia’s continued support of Citrus County and our firefighters. Our new fire station will place our crews in a stronger strategic position, allow us to operate more efficiently, and better protect the citizens of Citrus County.”

Florida Fire Chiefs Association President Trip Barrs said, “CFO Ingoglia has continually stood by Florida firefighters to make sure that they have everything they need to do their job safely and effectively. Our firefighters are ready to answer the call to serve their communities at all times and having the best equipment and the support of our leadership means everything.”

Angelo D’Ariano, Secretary and Treasurer, Florida Professional Firefighters, said, “CFO Ingoglia has shown genuine care for Florida’s firefighters, standing with us on cancer prevention and making sure departments large or small are not overlooked. We are thankful for his leadership and his commitment to helping firefighters stay safe, prepared, and ready to serve when our communities need us most.”

The Department of Financial Services provides grant funding to fire stations through the Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program and the Florida Firefighter Assistance Grant Program. Both programs seek to improve firefighter safety and emergency response with the necessary equipment, supplies, and educational training.

Funding is also allocated in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Budget. These awards help local fire stations upgrade their facilities and equipment in order to serve the growing needs of their communities.

Awards made through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant

• Gilchrist County- $34,575.00
• City of Williston- $14,192.25
• Town of Bronson- $6,964.50
• City of Inverness- $5,751.00
• Town of Inglis- $551.25

Awards made through the Firefighter Assistance Grant

• Town of Inglis- $105,359.10
• City of Inverness- $52,143.50
• City of Williston- $41,210.35

Awards funded in the FY 2025-2026 Budget

• Citrus County Fire Station- $3,500,000
• Gilchrist County Fire Rescue Apparatus- $1,375,000
• Cross City Public Safety Facility- $415,000