Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshall Blaise Ingoglia announced $1 million in awards to boost emergency response capabilities and improve firefighter safety to four local fire stations while speaking at a press conference in West Palm Beach this week.
"Our hometown heroes run towards danger to protect the citizens in their communities each and every day," Ingoglia said. "This funding is a necessity to ensure they have the protective gear and tools to do their jobs safely and protect their communities effectively. As State Fire Marshal, it is an honor to work with these brave men and women whose commitment to public safety makes Florida the best state to live in.”
The funding is part of the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program, the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program, and funds allocated through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Budget.
Departments awarded through Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant are as follows:
- Town of Southwest Ranches - $4,974.80
- City of Green Acres - $6,806.25
- City of West Palm Beach - $19,635
- Town of Highland Beach - $5,962.50
The Town of Southwest Ranches also received $51,380 through the Firefighter Assistance Grant, while the Southwest Ranches Fire Station secured $900,000 from FY 2026-27 Budget.
"Fighting fires and protecting our community takes resources and manpower. The funding awarded for Southwest Ranches to have a new fire station can help us fight fires quickly and efficiently," Southwest Ranches Fire Chief Lee Bennett said.
Funding will also go to resources and training to fight against hazardous cancer-causing chemicals.
"I am incredibly grateful for leaders like CFO Ingoglia who step up to assist our first responders’ needs. This money helps us better respond to emergencies throughout the city," West Palm Beach Fire Chief Diana J. Matty said.
CFO Ingoglia's announcement comes after awarding 24 million and 8.5 million to law enforcement agencies to help improve immigration enforcement on two separate occasions last month.
