DAYTONA, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced that members of his Division of Investigative and Forensic Services’ (DIFS) Bomb Squad Team were deployed to Daytona to help ensure safety during the Daytona 500 this weekend. The DIFS’ Bomb Squad consists of 13 Certified Bomb Technicians and three Apprentices. DIFS also has explosive detection K-9s that have been deployed in support of the race.

CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “As race fans from around the country come to Florida to watch some of the best drivers in the world at the Daytona 500 this weekend, ensuring safety is our top priority. Our highly-trained bomb squad members are on-site now at Daytona International Speedway to help ensure the drivers, crew, and visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. I can’t thank them enough for all of the hard work they do to protect Floridians and visitors to our great state. I appreciate everyone on our DIFS team, and all of Florida’s first responders and law enforcement, who will be working to make sure the event is a success. Remember, if you see something suspicious, please inform the nearest law enforcement officer immediately or call 911. Start your engines and prepare for an exciting and safe weekend NASCAR fans!”

The Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations is a branch of the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services and is responsible for conducting fire, arson, and explosives investigations as well as other associated crimes statewide. Investigators are sworn state law enforcement officers and are available to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to calls initiated by fire departments, law enforcement agencies and citizens who need assistance conducting fire origin and cause investigations.

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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 (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).