Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Ingoglia announced Monday the allocation of $1 million to fire departments across the state through programs designed to protect firefighters from cancer-causing chemicals. Ingoglia made the announcement at West Palm Beach Fire Station 1, joined by state Rep. Anne Gerwig, state Rep.
Peggy Gossett-Seidman, and West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James. The funds come from the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program, the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program, and projects appropriated in the state's fiscal 2025-2026 budget.
The program provides financial assistance to fire departments, including volunteer departments, to procure equipment, supplies, and educational training designed to mitigate exposure to hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals. Ingoglia explained that modern fires pose greater health risks than decades ago because burning structures now contain materials beyond wood and concrete that release substances absorbed through the skin, eyes, and lungs of firefighters.
West Palm Beach received $19,635, Greenacres received $6,806, and Highland Beach received $5,962 from Monday's allocation. West Palm Beach Fire Chief Diana Matty said the grants fund second sets of gloves, particulate blocking hoods, on-scene cleansing wipes, and specialized washers.
The state still has $1 million available through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program and another $1 million available for the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program in this year's state budget. Ingoglia urged fire chiefs across Florida to apply for the remaining funds.
Ingoglia also addressed concerns about an upcoming property tax amendment vote and funding worries expressed by cities and first responders. He said county budgets have increased between 60 to 160 percent over the past six years and counties have benefited from historic property tax revenue. Ingoglia stated he believes there is room to offer property tax relief while still funding necessary items for first responders, despite anxiety from sheriffs, police chiefs, and fire chiefs about potential budget cuts and layoffs. He said the vast majority of their budgets are controlled by county commissioners or mayors and there is more than enough money available.