Politics
2 firefighter organizations endorse Blaise Ingoglia in CFO race
Firefighter groups acknowledged Ingoglia’s willingness to steer funding to first responders was a major benefit.
Two major firefighter labor groups are throwing their support behind Blaise Ingoglia for Chief Financial Officer.
The Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 and the Suncoast Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 2546 both endorsed Ingoglia this week. The state’s CFO has been increasing his support for, and distribution of funds to, first responders in the past year.
“We applaud his willingness to run for and serve in public office, and we look forward to working together to advance our shared commitment for public safety,” said Suncoast Chair Jason Berzowski in Tampa.
Berzowski acknowledged that Ingoglia’s efforts — such as the Fire Service Awards announced Tuesday and distribution of funds to first responders in November — helped sway the decision for the enforcement.
President of the Metro-Dade Firefighters Local William McAllister agreed Ingoglia’s willingness to steer assistance to first responders even before he was CFO as a member of Florida’s House and Senate was essential.
“Over the past eight years, he has consistently listened to and stood with Florida’s firefighters — supporting critical cancer presumption protections, taking a thoughtful approach to retirement system reforms during the pandemic, and continuing to work with us to strengthen mental health resources for first responders,” McAllister said.
On Monday, the Lakeland Professional Firefighters Association announced their endorsement of Ingoglia.
This is Ingoglia’s first official campaign for CFO. He was appointed as CFO in July by Gov. Ron DeSantis after former CFO Jimmy Patronis vacated the post and won a Special Election for Florida’s 1st Congressional District.
Ingoglia is being challenged by two Republicans in the Primary: Frank Collige and Benjamin Horbowy. But neither have raised significant funds to challenge Ingoglia.
Also running is no-party candidate John Smith. No Democrat has filed. But assuming Smith makes the ballot, non-GOP voters would be locked out of voting in the August Republican Primary.
