Florida's first responders have been under attack from rising cancer rates for years.
One state official finally decided to do something about it.
And Blaise Ingoglia just called out local politicians for this one unforgivable sin.
Florida firefighters get backup in cancer prevention fight
Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia announced more than $186,000 in new grants to protect firefighters from cancer on Wednesday.
The funding includes $139,986 for Frostproof, $34,575 for Lakeland, and $12,313 for Auburndale.¹
But Ingoglia didn't stop with just handing out the checks.
He delivered a message to local politicians that had bureaucrats squirming in their seats.
Ingoglia blasted local governments that refuse to make first responders the top budget priority.
"If we as a community are going to ask you to go inside and put yourself at a higher risk of cancer, then it is only right as government to make sure you have the tools to keep yourself safe," Ingoglia stated.¹
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He didn't mince words about where too many local budgets put their priorities.
"Local governments must fund our first responders as the first line item on the budget," Ingoglia declared.¹
The CFO went even further and called out the real problem plaguing local government spending.
The message was clear: too many local governments waste money on consultants and bureaucracy while firefighters go without basic safety equipment.
That's the kind of straight talk that makes career politicians nervous.
Ingoglia puts his money where his mouth is
Since taking office in July 2025, Ingoglia hasn't just talked about supporting first responders.
He's delivered more than $14.6 million statewide to fire agencies for decontamination gear, protective equipment, and infrastructure upgrades.¹
The grants announced Wednesday are part of the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant Program.
This program was established by Florida law in 2020 to help protect firefighters from hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals they're exposed to on the job.²
https://twitter.com/GovGoneWild/status/1988669173669716259?s=20
State Representative Jennifer Canady attended the Lakeland event and praised Ingoglia's commitment.
"It's very exciting to see that we're at a point where we're making progress," Canady said.¹
The reality of what firefighters face should make every American angry.
Modern fires produce far more toxic chemicals than they did decades ago.
Plastics, synthetic materials, and household chemicals create a deadly cocktail when they burn.
Firefighters breathe in these carcinogens every time they respond to a call.
Cancer survivor and Lakeland firefighter Clay Geiger shared his story at Wednesday's announcement.
"When it comes to cancer, rule number one is don't get cancer, but if only it were that simple," Geiger explained.¹
The contrast couldn't be more stark
Ingoglia's actions stand in sharp contrast to what's happening in local governments across Florida.
The CFO has been conducting budget reviews of counties and cities throughout the state.
He's exposed hundreds of millions in wasteful spending in places like Miami-Dade County, Orange County, and Broward County.
Meanwhile, firefighters are forced to beg for basic cancer prevention equipment.
That's backwards.
Trent Barrs, President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, highlighted why this funding matters.
"The CFO knows how important firefighter safety is," Barrs said. "The awards ensure that firefighters have access to the resources they need to do their job."³
Firefighters run into burning buildings while everyone else runs out.
They deserve better than being an afterthought in local budgets while consultants get fat contracts.
Ingoglia pledged to continue supporting firefighters' physical and mental health.
The Legislature is also discussing suicide prevention programs for first responders.
These men and women see things most people couldn't imagine.
The least the government can do is make sure they have the equipment to reduce their cancer risk.
Ingoglia's message to local politicians was crystal clear.
Stop wasting money on bureaucracy and consultants.
Fund first responders first.
It's not complicated.
¹ Frank Kopylov, "Ingoglia announces $186K in grants to boost firefighter safety, cancer prevention," Lakeland Ledger, November 12, 2025.
² "Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program," MyFloridaCFO.com, 2024.
³ "Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia Awards Over $8.2 Million to Support Florida Firefighters," MyFloridaCFO.com, October 22, 2025.
