DeSantis Announces $1000 Bonus for First Responders

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the state will start rewarding Florida’s first responders with a $1000 bonus. He made the announcement Wednesday during a news conference. Surrounding the Republican governor were first responders and law enforcement officers who cheered his announcement. 

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‘We’re Funding The Police, And Then Some’

DeSantis spoke about the need to give special thanks to the police and first responders who answered the call day in and day out.

At the same time, his move spoke volumes against calls by progressives to defund the police. “I asked the legislature in this legislative session, we need to do bonuses for law enforcement.

Some wanted to defund the police, we’re funding the police, and then some,” he remarked. Meanwhile, protesters kept their position in calling for the defunding of police budgets.

Consequently, the protests intensified after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin received a murder conviction. 

“Supporting our law enforcement and first responders have been a top priority for my administration,” DeSantis continued. He highlighted the importance of providing support for first responders, who needed it badly since last year.

“As a state, we are grateful for their continued service to our communities. This one-time bonus is a small token of appreciation, but we can never go far enough to express our gratitude for their selflessness,” he said. 

Officials Thank DeSantis

In addition, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody also said thanks via Twitter. Incidentally, Moody’s husband, Justin Duralia, is a Drug Enforcement Administration agent.

She’s said to be grateful for what DeSantis and the Florida legislature did. “Amazing news on this greatly deserved bonus for our first responders and law enforcement officers!

Thank you, [DeSantis], [Florida state Senate] and [Florida House of Representatives] for prioritizing the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our state,” she tweeted. 

Meanwhile, Satellite Beach Police Chief Jeffery Pearson, who is also president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association thanked DeSantis heartily.

He gave kudos to DeSantis for his “unwavering” support to police and first responders, which includes the $1000 bonus checks. “With your strong and consistent leadership, law enforcement can count on you. And most importantly, the people of Florida can count on you,” he said. 

$1000 Bonus For Every Florida First Responder

Every cop and first responder who continued their work through the pandemic will receive a one-time $1000 bonus check. This covers Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), paramedics, firefighters, and police officers in the state.

The Governor’s statement details the breakdown of recipients. The budget for the $1000 bonuses will form part of the 2021-2022 budget, which remains unsigned.

However, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is working to expedite the release. The DEO allocated an approximate $208 million to provide the $1,00 bonus for 49,405 sworn law enforcement officers, 40,732 EMTs, 35,811 firefighters and 33,185 paramedics in Florida.

As a result, over 174,000 first responders from Florida will receive the $1000 bonus. 

Watch the WPTV News reporting that Governor Ron DeSantis announces $1000 bonuses for first responders:

Do you support DeSantis’ program to provide $1000 bonus checks to Florida’s first responders? Also, do you think they deserve more or less?

Let us know what you think about saying thanks to first responders. Share your thoughts below.