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The state’s Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis presented $58,695 in pandemic protection funding to eight panhandle fire departments
Still, getting an extra $1,000 is nice too.
During stops in Satellite Beach, Temple Terrace and Fort Myers, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday one-time bonuses of $1,000 for the state s 174,000 first responders. The bonuses are expected to be distributed during the summer.
Federal stimulus money will cover the bonuses. It also is tied to the record $101.5 billion state budget that lawmakers approved last week.
Monroe said that while it s a small token, first responders appreciate DeSantis support. We had a lot of employees that worked extra hours (during the pandemic) and we had put on special units just to transport COVID patients, Monroe said. A lot of extra personal protection equipment, purchased and used.
The texting option is especially exciting for Brad Monroe, chief of Bay County Emergency Services. If a person is incapacitated and can t talk, they can send a text, Monroe said. I think it s going to be an advantage to 911 call takers.
Monroe described a situation in which somebody s house is broken into and instead of calling they can send a text to 911. Both sides can exchange text messages to describe the event and what is going on instead of talking on the phone when it would be best to stay as quiet as possible.
Each county will be responsible for developing and enforcing procedures to maintain, operate and enhance the Joint Regional Next Generation 911 GIS Project. They will also have to make sure confidential data from the shared 911 system is protected and maintain and enforce security requirements for the system.