ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis announced Tuesday that the state will be seeking to double its funding to fight high rates of cancer among firefighters.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters and research suggests they may be at a higher risk than the general population.
Recommended Videos
The new equipment will help de-contaminate carcinogens on firefighters’ gear.
The “extractor” is like a specialized heavy-duty washing machine that works to extract chemicals and carcinogens from uniforms.
St. Johns County Fire Rescue has paid more than $32,000 in de-contamination grants.
A firefighter battling brain cancer shared what this means to him.
“Mr. Patronis, it’s through your steadfast support of the first responders of Florida from the cancer presumptive bill to the funding aimed at prevention that is providing meaning to those that have fallen from this unfortunate disease. FDR said, the best prize that life has to offer is a chance to work hard at work worth doing. Mr. Patronis, thank you for working so hard. I promise you this work is worth doing,” Lieutenant Justin Dailey said.
The state has awarded more than $2.4 million for de-contamination grants for fire stations since 2020.