JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was in town on Monday to deliver $1,000 bonuses to members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
At an afternoon news conference at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, DeSantis said the bonuses are just a small way to show support for our first responders and appreciation for their service.
“Because we know how hard you guys have been working, you know, and always it’s a tough job, but particularly since COVID,” DeSantis said.
JFRD Chief Keith Powers spoke, but we also heard from firefighting veteran Chris Stover, who summed up the gesture as a difference-maker for his family.
“I have an amazing wife and two young kids and we’re thankful for this bonus to help with the costs of supporting our family,” Stover said. “Whether it’s supplies or clothes for school, a fall trip with family or gifts during the holiday season, this money definitely helps easing those costs. On behalf of myself and all first responders, we thank you for your continued support.”
These recognition payments were a part of the budget signed by the governor earlier this year. Eligible recipients of the first responder recognition bonus payments are police officers, sheriff’s deputies, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and firefighters employed by local governments throughout the state.
This is the second year in a row that DeSantis delivered bonuses.
For more information about the First Responder Recognition Bonuses, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment.