Wife of retired OPD officer with PTSD pushing for more help for first responders
ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The wife of a retired Orlando police officer is headed to Tallahassee Monday to help first responders.
Jessica Realin said her husband Gerry hasn't been the same since the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.
The father of two was diagnosed with PTSD and told by a doctor not to work.
Florida is a state that doesn't require workers compensation for cops, firefighters and paramedics who suffered psychological issues on the job.
Senate Bill 376 passed in October to help first responders get worker's comp, but Realin said it didn't do enough.
The bill, spear-headed by Senator Book, requires first responders to claim mental disabilities 15 days after the incident occurs.
The bill also only covers the men and women for up to 90 days.
Realin says that number needs to be extended.
She will speak with Senator Book Monday and present to the committee at their meeting on Tuesday.