Patronis awards funding to South Florida fire departments for cancer decontamination

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FLV) – Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis awarded $50K in grants to three West Palm Beach fire departments to help with its cancer decontamination equipment.

“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,” said Patronis in a press release.

“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,” Patronis continued.

The three fire departments awarded were Marathon Fire Rescue ($24,750), West Palm Beach Fire Department ($20,100), and Coral Springs Fire District ($5,700).

“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,” said Coral Springs Parkland Fire Chief Michael McNally.

The equipment funded through the Florida Department of Financial Services helps protect the health and safety of firefighters by securing financial aid to help diminish exposure to hazardous, cancer-causing materials.

“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,” said Division Chief Jamie Walker of the West Palm Beach Fire Department.

Patronis noted that firefighters have a 9% 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,” Patronis continued.