RIVERVIEW, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia awarded $14 million to enhance firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities. Funding is awarded to protect firefighters against the harmful chemicals that are spread during a fire and to ensure that Florida’s firefighters have the proper equipment and infrastructure to support public safety. 

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Supporting our first responders is not optional—It’s essential. Firefighters go out every single day to save lives, and often they are risking their own in the process. They must be equipped with the necessary protective gear and tools to meet the growing needs of their communities and to keep themselves safe.” 

Florida Professional Firefighters Regional Vice President Tim Pearson said, “Firefighting has evolved over the years into a more dangerous profession than ever before. We have seen the long term mental and physical impacts of this profession reminding us that support is vital to continue doing what we do. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for your continued investment in the safety and well-being of Florida’s firefighters.” 

Hillsborough Fire Chief Jason Dougherty said, “Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for showing up for the firefighting community and ensuring that we are well equipped to do our jobs safely and securely. We appreciate your continued support.” 

Funding is provided through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant and the Firefighter Assistance Grant. Both of these grant programs assist with improving firefighter health and safety by ensuring they have the necessary equipment and educational training.  

Additionally, funding is allocated in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Budget to support critical firefighter programs and projects.

Awards made through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination 

• City of New Port Richey - $7,875 
• City of St. Pete - $24,331.08 
• City of Temple Terrace - $7,357.50 
• City of Treasure Island - $34,575 
• Pasco County - $20,167.68 
• Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District - $18,844.24 
  

Awards made through the Firefighter Assistance Grant 

• City of Port Richey - $28,014 
  

Awards funded in the FY 2025-2026 Budget 

• Bartow Fire Rescue Station and Training Facility - $1,350,000 
• Bartow Front Line Rescue Truck - $1,050,000 
• Responders First Wellness Program - $66,500 
• Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Air Boats and Trailers - $263,153 
• Lake Wales Fire Station #3 - $3,000,000 
• Lakeland Fire Rescue Station #8 - $900,000 
• Pasco County Fire Rescue Station #4 - $3,400,000 
• Port Richey Fire Engine Replacement - $800,000
• St. Pete Beach Fire Station #22 - $3,000,000