Press Release


Contact our Office of Communications
Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com | 850.413.2842


Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia Awards $1.6 Million to Strengthen Florida Fire Departments

3/5/2026

NAPLES, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia awarded $1.6 million to strengthen Florida fire departments. The funding awarded today provides firefighters and their departments with essential equipment to protect firefighters from dangerous chemicals and enhances their emergency response capabilities.  

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Over the years, the profession of being a firefighter has evolved and there are more dangers facing our firefighters than ever before. This is why it is crucial that Florida’s emergency responders are equipped with the resources they need to continue to save lives. I am proud that as Florida’s State Fire Marshal, I am able to travel the state to meet with our firefighters and find more ways to support them as they serve our communities.” 

Michael Choate, Immediate Past President of Florida Fire Chiefs Association, said, “Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for consistently showing up for our first responders and making sure that their health and safety is a top priority. These funds will go a long way in ensuring the future success of these fire departments and the firefighters that work in these communities.”

Funding is awarded through grant programs from the Department of Financial Services and money that was allocated in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 budget. The Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant provides financial assistance to obtain equipment and training designed to mitigate exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. The Firefighter Assistance Grant offers financial support designed to improve emergency response capabilities.

Awards made through Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant 

  • City of Cape Coral- $25,296 
  • Sanibel Fire and Rescue- $32,171.36 

Awards made through Firefighter Assistance Grant  

  • Hendry County- $30,435 

Awards funded in the FY 2025-2026 Budget  

  • City of Naples Fire Rescue High Water Engine- $400,000 
  • Charlotte County Fire and EMS Services High Water Rescue Vehicles- $825,000 
  • Lee County South Trail Fire District High Water Rescue Vehicle- $370,000  

Photos

Click the thumbnails to download the full sized photos.

###

About the CFO
Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia serves as the state’s top financial watchdog, a member of the Florida Cabinet, and the head of the Florida Department of Financial Services. As CFO, he oversees billions of dollars in state funds and is committed to protecting taxpayer dollars, strengthening Florida’s fiscal health, and delivering essential services that support the state’s excellent economy. As State Fire Marshal, CFO Ingoglia also works every day to support Florida’s first responders as they risk their lives to serve and protect communities across the state.

Back to Press Releases