The state’s Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis presented $58,695 in pandemic protection funding to eight panhandle fire departments Monday during a ceremony in Bay County.
The state funding is through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant Program and allows for fire departments to buy PPE to protect firefighters from infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. The grant program was established in the 2020 legislative session to mitigate exposure to hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals and infectious diseases.
“Our firefighters are on the front lines every single day, 365, through Mother’s Day, which was just a couple of weeks ago, through anniversaries, through birthdays,” said Patronis in front of fire chiefs from around the Panhandle. “I’m honored today to present this check in order to ensure that we continue to give them the resources to do the job they so love.”
Awards ranged from $1,556.25 to Mexico Beach Fire Rescue to $24,750 to Bay County Fire Rescue. Other departments awarded are as follows:
- Almarante Fire District $4,462.50
- Baker Fire District $6,063.75
- City of Niceville Fire Department $4,125.00
- City of Milton Fire Department $3,341.25
- South Gulf Volunteer Fire Department $7,556.25
- Panama City Beach Fire Rescue $6,840.00
Credit Florida Dept. of Financial ServicesState CFO Jimmy Patronis with Panhandle firefighters.
Patronis presented $30,629.89 to three fire departments in the Polk County area earlier this month.
“Firefighters know the risks that come along with the job, but we work each day to keep our communities safe,” said Chief Brad Monroe, Bay County Emergency Services. “This funding will help ensure firefighters will have the necessary resources to lessen our exposure to cancer-causing substances and other infectious diseases.”
Niceville Fire Department Chief Tommy Mayville said Monday’s ceremony was an “honor.”
“Our dedicated firefighters work every day to protect us, and I know CFO Patronis is working hard to protect them.”