Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia announced over $500,000 in awards to bolster several Florida fire departments, including equipment, training, and resources to help protect firefighters on the job during a press conference in Ocala this week.
"We must be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to firefighter health and safety," Ingoglia said. "Nowadays, our firefighters are answering 911 phone calls more than ever before. By making sure firefighters have the essential protective gear and equipment to respond to emergencies, we are reducing exposure to harmful and dangerous chemicals that have a significant impact on a firefighter’s health."
The fund, through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant and the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 budget, will go to the following:
Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant
- City of Ocala - $6,372.75
- City of High Springs - $4,793.44
FY 2025-2026 Budget
- Newberry Regional First Responder Facility - $500,000
Ocala Fire Chief Clint Welborn and High Springs Fire Chief Joseph Peters thanked Ingoglia for the awards.
"Our local heroes are responding to calls every day with tremendous bravery. I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for the recognition of the work that we do and the unwavering dedication to our firefighters," Welborn said.
Peters added, "Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for your leadership and for supporting our firefighters' health. Our firefighters face daily and long-term risks every day to serve those in our communities.”
Ingoglia's announcement follows $1.6 million in awards given out to Florida fire departments last month.
As CFO, Ingoglia is also Florida's Fire Marshal.
Ingoglia is running for a full term as CFO in November's election. He recently picked up endorsements from U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) and America Grit PAC in his bid, and has support from Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Republican Party of Florida, and more than 70 state lawmakers.
Ingoglia became CFO in July 2025. Other candidates in the race include "Shark Tank" entrepreneur John Smith.
The CFO election is Nov. 3.
