$1,000.00 Extra Payments for First Responders---to INCLUDE the Volunteer Firefighters

If we are giving $1000.00 in extra pay/stipends to first responders, I want to insure that we are taking care of ALL first responders, and not overlooking the Escambia County Volunteer Firefighters!

Over the last month, Governor DeSantis has cris-crossed the state handing out $1,000.00 bonus checks to first responders.  He came to Escambia County and personally handed out the checks to sheriff's deputies.

Our paid firefighters were given checks as well.

As were the EMT's and Paramedics.

But then it was "stated" (by whom I have not been told yet) that "the volunteer firefighters don't get the money..."  But wait:  Aren't volunteer firmen considered first responders, too?  We have volunteer firemen running calls every day in Escambia County (and a lot of other places as well.  Gulf Breeze is a 100% volunteer fire department--are they not getting these checks?  What about all the rural volunteer fire departments throughout the panhandle---their service doesn't count?)

Well, this isn't right.  I must simply assume it was just an oversight on the part of the governor's staff.  Or someone.  But anyway, it doesn't matter.  Because we can fix it locally.😁

After all, the money for all these bonuses is coming out of the same pot from the federal government, from the American Rescue Plan.  And just to reiterate--volunteer firemen are first responders, too.

So if I can get two more votes on Thursday---we will fix this oversight locally and ensure ALL first responders get a check!