SANFORD, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia highlighted his support for Florida’s firefighters since taking office last year, including more than $48 million awarded to support Florida fire departments. This funding has been provided through the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program, Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program, and projects appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. Since his tenure began in July 2025, CFO Ingoglia has awarded more than 100 fire departments with funds to bolster their emergency response capabilities and better protect our firefighters from cancer-causing chemicals.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “As we celebrate our country’s independence, it is important to remember those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities in the great state of Florida. Through their unwavering courage and sacrifice, Florida’s firefighters have played a historic role is making our state, and our nation, the best in the world. This Independence Day and the anniversary of America’s 250th birthday, we proudly honor our hometown heroes and their commitment to protecting our communities.” 

The money awarded through the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program and Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program has helped local fire departments strengthen emergency response capabilities and protect Florida’s firefighters from harmful cancer-causing chemicals. In total, the CFO has distributed nearly $4 million through these grant programs to provide the necessary resources that fire departments need to keep their communities and themselves safe. For Fiscal Year 2026-2027, a total of $2 million was appropriated for the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program and the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program. 

Additionally, this year, CFO Ingoglia and the Division of the State Fire Marshal led the largest statewide exercise for Florida’s Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR) in state history. This exercise brought together more than 400 USAR team members with specialized equipment to train for multiple types of emergencies.

CFO Ingoglia wishes all Floridians a safe and happy Fourth of July as we celebrate our nation’s freedoms and commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. As families and friends gather to light the grill or enjoy the fireworks, here are a few safety precautions that can help ensure everyone has a safe and memorable holiday. 

• Keep hands away from lit fireworks: Never place your hands over a firework, and do not stand over it when lighting it.
• Be mindful of pets and wildfire risk: Fireworks can frighten pets, causing them to run away or become injured. Fireworks can also start wildfires; use extreme caution, especially in dry conditions. You can find if your county has an active burn ban at www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Information.
• Choose a safe location: Use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area away from homes, vehicles, dry grass, trees, and other flammable materials.
• Dispose of fireworks properly: Soak used fireworks in water and place them in a metal trash can, away from buildings and anything that can burn.