PHOENIX -- On Monday, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2502 which provides critical treatment of PTSD for public safety personnel. The bill was sponsored by Representative Paul Boyer. Senator Steve Smith, Senator Rick Gray, and Representative Mark Fitchem all worked hard in support of taking care of our first responders.
Some of the highlights of the bill include;
- 36 visits to a licensed treatment professional
- Time spent in treatment to be compensated
- Restoration of leave time used as a result of PTSD
- Comprehensive study/documentation of PTSD claims/usage/denials
The impetus for this bill was the tragic loss of Phoenix Police Officer Craig Tiger who in 2012 was forced to use deadly force upon a subject with a club assaulting him and his partner as well as other citizens in a north Phoenix park. Largely due to his undiagnosed and untreated PTSD as a result of the shooting, Officer Tiger attempted suicide exactly one year to the date of the shooting. He later committed suicide in 2014.
The bill is appropriately referred to as, “The Officer Craig Tiger Act.” This in honor of his commitment to our community and the sacrifices of Phoenix Police Officer Craig Tiger and his family.
The Arizona Police Association and the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona worked together to introduce and ensure this bill was completed into law. It is our hope that this bill will prevent the tragic loss of other police and firefighters due to the ravages of PTSD.
Information provided by the Arizona Police Association
