CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Proposes $1 Million in Grant Funding to Fight Firefighter Cancer in Florida

• 24 September 2024
• Category: SJC News Public Safety
• Tags: 2024

September 24, 2024 – ELKTON, Fla. — Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced that the Division of State Fire Marshal is doubling the legislative funding proposal for the Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program from $500,000 to $1 million for the 2025 Legislative Session. Since 2020, the Cancer Decontamination Grant Program within the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) has helped protect the health and safety of firefighters by providing financial aid to mitigate exposure to hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals found while working in the fire service. To date, the Department has awarded more than $2.4 million in cancer decontamination grants to 197 fire departments statewide. St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs produced a video to recap the event.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “I am incredibly proud to announce that the State of Florida is increasing our commitment to the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program by requesting to double the funding to $1 million during the next legislative session. This program has been extremely popular and successful within the fire service, and this additional investment underscores our respect and gratitude for the courageous men and women of Florida’s fire service, allowing us to protect even more firefighters statewide. Whether they are providing vital emergency services daily in their communities or responding to hurricanes and disasters across our state, our firefighters consistently exhibit remarkable bravery, rushing toward danger to save lives at a moment’s notice. Alarmingly, firefighters face a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of succumbing to the disease compared to the general public. As Florida’s State Fire Marshal, it is my top priority to ensure that our dedicated firefighters have the resources they need to enhance their quality of life and the best possible equipment to safeguard both themselves and the citizens they serve. Thank you to all of our partners and legislators for joining us today to stand up and fight for Florida’s firefighters in their battle against cancer.”

St. Johns Fire Rescue Lieutenant Justin Dailey said, “I would like to personally thank CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis for his proactive commitment to the First Responders of this amazing state. Thanks to leadership like his, I was able to get the treatment that I needed when I was touched by this horrible disease that effects so many of us in this profession. Whether it be medical coverage, decontamination equipment, or other various resources and tools, one thing is for sure, Florida cares about its first responders.”

St. Johns Fire Chief Sean McGee said, “Thank you, CFO Patronis for your constant commitment to making sure that first responders in Florida are getting the care they need when it comes to cancer. Those of us who have chosen this profession know that it’s a dangerous one, but it is a relief to know that there is leadership in Tallahassee that has our backs. We want to keep our communities safe, and with access to resources that can keep us healthy and protected, we will continue to get the job done in Florida.”

Florida Professional Firefighters President Bernie Bernoska said, “I am incredibly proud that CFO Patronis has continued to be such a champion for the firefighter community here in Florida. These brave men and women face unique hazards and challenges with regard to cancer exposures. I applaud CFO Patronis for pushing cancer prevention best practices and helping ensure firefighters have access to resources and tools to keep them safe and healthy. Firefighters work around the clock to keep their fellow Floridians safe, and grants like these help keep firefighters and their families safe by avoiding unnecessary exposure to carcinogens.”

St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell said, “Huge thanks to CFO Patronis for supporting first responders and for his continued commitment to ensuring that our firefighters are taken care of when it comes to cancer decontamination. Our first responders are the heartbeat of our communities, and they must have the resources needed to protect their health as they serve others.”

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department Director Tara Wildes said, “Thank you to CFO Patronis and the State Fire Marshal’s Office for the opportunity to join the brave men and women of our fire service community and advocate for these decontamination grant funds that will serve to protect these heroes. Our firefighters stay ready to answer the call of duty, and we are so grateful for their service.”

Commissioner Martha Gleason said, “This is an important day for Florida’s firefighters in their battle against cancer. I thank CFO Patronis for his leadership and for being a champion for firefighters as they work to save lives and protect our communities.”

St. Johns County Commissioner Henry Dean said, “Cancer has greatly impacted the lives of firefighters, and we can’t let them fight this battle alone. Thanks to the hard work of CFO Patronis, these brave men and women will continue to have the cancer prevention resources they so greatly need.”

St. Johns County Commissioner Roy Alaimo said,“I would like to thank CFO Patronis and the State Fire Marshal’s Office for their consistent support of Florida’s fire service personnel. Your tenure as CFO and State Fire Marshal reflects a strong dedication to the welfare of these first responders, and we are truly grateful for your work to ensure they have the necessary cancer decontamination tools in our fire stations.”

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook and X.