DeSantis Passes Out $1,000 Bonuses To Escambia County Deputies

August 11, 2021

Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis presented $1,000 bonus checks to deputies at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their work during the pandemic.

DeSantis joined Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons in presentig the one-time bonuses through the “Florida’s Heroes” initiative.

“Florida’s first responder relief checks allow us to show our appreciation to the law enforcement officers who have remained on the front lines, continuing to keep our neighborhoods safe,” DeSantis said during the afternoon press conference at the ECSO. “Over the course of the past year and a half, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has protected and served us all, no matter the circumstance.”

The initiative is to recognize law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters in the state of Florida with a one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 as an appreciation of the many selfless sacrifices made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When law enforcement takes the oath to serve and protect our communities it means we stand at the front line of disasters, whether it’s a hurricane or global pandemic,” said Simmons. “The men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office didn’t get the option to stay home. We still had to protect and serve even though our families may have been battling the effects of COVID-19. I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his steadfast support of law enforcement and all first responders. He has maintained his support in word and deed, and it matters to the frontline heroes. In these difficult times, it is good to know that we have the support of our community and support from the highest levels of state government.”

The Department of Economic Opportunity was allocated approximately $208 million to distribute one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 to over 193,000 first responders, including more than 49,000 sworn law enforcement officers, 40,000 EMTs, 35,000 firefighters and 33,000 paramedics across the state. Payments will be issued and mailed to employee mailing addresses provided by the employer.

“Law enforcement officers in our state make countless sacrifices as they serve our communities,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle said during the presentation. “It is an honor to support Governor DeSantis in his mission to provide relief checks to our first responders in Florida.”

Pictured: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons handed out one-time $1,000 bonus checks to deputies Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

13 Responses to “DeSantis Passes Out $1,000 Bonuses To Escambia County Deputies”

  1. Johnny Law Enforcer on August 16th, 2021 4:58 pm

    Someone said……

    Buying those votes

    ….

  2. Robert on August 15th, 2021 3:55 pm

    Great job. I’m all for refunding the police. Thank you LEOS.

  3. Lee on August 14th, 2021 10:38 am

    I’m all for these bonuses. But it does seem that the governor of a state with raging Covid cases would get the money out some other way. It’s not as if he met with every person receiving a bonus anyway. Hitting the road during a pandemic, in a state trying to get schools opened while Covid cases are surging and hospitals filling up, seems more of a photo op than a wise decision.

  4. Snake on August 12th, 2021 3:09 pm

    First responders deserve more. Not just $1000. I am glad they received some recognition but DeSantis is definitely incompetent as cases are soaring again in Florida, trying to demonetize schools who want to implement mask mandates and also saying he is “unaware” of ventilators being sent…

  5. Scott on August 12th, 2021 11:24 am

    You people thinking that DeSantis needs to pay for popularity literally make me laugh out loud. If that was money going into your hand, like you received from the Federal Government, you wouldn’t say a word. Your profound ignorance and hypocrisy is showing.

  6. A.W.Thompson on August 12th, 2021 7:25 am

    Janitors and custodians have the most important jobs since last year,yet we don’t expect or want any taxpayer bonuses at least we don’t.A.W.Thompson

  7. Citizen on August 12th, 2021 6:44 am

    Buying those votes

  8. Anne on August 11th, 2021 11:33 am

    LEO LIVES MATTER….!!!!!!!

  9. Yaknowitall on August 11th, 2021 10:41 am

    @Goodgrief…. I’m guessing that the last guy in office didn’t throw money around to All the good old rich boys club leaving the rest of us out.
    This only the Dems are the problem is really getting a bit redundant. Maybe people need to more educated in a subject before spewing off with non factual comments.

  10. Jay on August 11th, 2021 9:10 am

    Put money into people’s hands; one of the oldest and most effective political techniques for gaining popularity. Don’t let anyone tell you only Dems do it. At least in this case they are giving it to people that likely very much deserve it.

  11. EMD on August 11th, 2021 8:19 am

    Keep up the good work, Governor. Thanks to the LEOs for all they do.

  12. Chuck Ward on August 11th, 2021 8:16 am

    Bout time! Thank you first responders! We ALL owe you a debt of gratitude.

  13. Good grief on August 11th, 2021 7:33 am

    Thank you Governor, these men and women are in a very thankless job. I can’t imagine where we would be without them. Since Biden loves to throw money around he could throw some to all police everywhere. Thank you all for what you do.