For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

CFO Jimmy Patronis Awards $50K in Cancer Decontamination Grant Funding 

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis presented over $50K in cancer decontamination equipment funding to three fire departments in West Palm Beach. A top priority of CFO Patronis during the 2021 Legislative Session, the Cancer Decontamination Grant Program within the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) helps protect the health and safety of firefighters by providing financial aid to mitigate exposure to hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “It was an honor to join firefighters today in West Palm Beach to present them with checks for more than $50,000 in grant funding to ensure they have the vital equipment, training, and supplies needed to mitigate exposure to cancer-causing contaminants. These brave men and women work 24/7/365 to protect Floridians everyday no matter the cost. Between providing emergency services during Hurricane Ian to suppressing wildfires in the around the state, our firefighters are always ready to run toward danger to save the lives of others. Firefighters have a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the average American. Florida’s firefighters dedicate their lives to protect our communities and, as Florida’s State Fire Marshal, I have made it one of my top priorities to provide these heroes with the legislative and monetary support necessary to enhance their quality of life and ensure they have the best equipment in the field to better protect themselves and the people of Florida.”

South Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant Program Awards:

• West Palm Beach Fire Department - $20,100
• Marathon Fire Rescue - $24,750
• Coral Springs Parkland Fire District - $5,700

Fire Chief Michael McNally, Coral Springs Parkland Fire District said, “Huge thanks to CFO Patronis for presenting us with this grant today, and for his continued commitment to ensuring that our firefighters are taken care of when it comes to cancer decontamination. We are blessed to live in a state like Florida that supports and protects first responders.” 

Division Chief Jamie Walker, West Palm Beach Fire Department said, “We have seen cancer tear holes in the firefighting community for far too long. Thanks to CFO Patronis, we will have the proper tools to do all that we can to limit the dangers of these toxins that we are exposed to and ensure that our fire firefighters are able to live long, healthy lives.”

Bernie Bernoska, Florida Professional Firefighters President said, “I want to thank CFO Patronis for his continued commitment to the men and women of the fire service. Throughout your time as CFO and State Fire Marshal, you have always looked out for us, and we are incredibly appreciative of your continued push to make sure we get the right tools for cancer decontamination. Cancer is a real risk for all firefighters and this funding will be used to mitigate that risk.”

Representative Mike Caruso said, “When everybody’s running out of the building, our firefighters are running in. They’re always ready, all the time. Now it’s time for all Floridians to stand behind them. My thanks to CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis for his unwavering support and leadership of Florida’s firefighters. These grant programs helps to ensure our firefighters have the resources and funding they need to keep themselves and others safe.”

Senator Bobby Powell said, “Florida’s firefighters work around the clock to protect Floridians and our communities, and they deserve our support and the tools necessary to reduce their risk of  cancer.  Today’s grant awards will go a long way to show our dedication to the men and women who sacrifice their lives in service to our state. Our thanks go out to CFO Patronis for his work in helping to make these awards possible.”

Representative Rick Roth said, “Florida is a stronger state because we focus on ensuring our first responders are safe, healthy, and prepared to face danger. The protective equipment secured by these grants is vital to achieving that goal. My thanks to CFO Jimmy Patronis for his leadership in ensuring our fire service professionals have everything they need to be able to live long, meaningful lives after sacrificing so much for Floridians.”

Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman said, “Today is a great day for South Florida firefighters. Cancer causing carcinogens are the leading cause of firefighter deaths, but because of the efforts of CFO Jimmy Patronis and the Legislature, we are ensuring our firefighters have the funding and tools necessary to protect themselves. I thank CFO Patronis for his leadership, being a stellar champion for firefighters and for making certain they have the best resources for decontamination, so that we can weaken the threat of cancer in this industry.”

Representative Kelly Skidmore said, “Thank you to CFO Patronis for the opportunity to join the brave men and women of our fire service community and provide these decontamination grant funds that will serve to protect these heroes from carcinogens in the field. Our firefighters are always ready to answer the call of duty, and we are grateful for their service.”

Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter said, “Thank you to CFO Patronis for visiting Palm Beach County and for awarding these outstanding grants to our local fire departments. Our first responders deserve our support and appreciation, and these grants will go a long way in keeping these heroes healthy and safe.”

Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Marino said, “Our firefighters work hard to serve and protect the people of Palm Beach county, and deserve only the best available resources and funding we can provide them. Thank you to CFO Patronis for leading the way and ensuring that firefighters here in south Florida and throughout the state have the means to go home at night healthy and safe.”

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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).