West Palm Beach, FL – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis recently 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.”
Source: FL DIFS