Rick Scott Will Sign Mental Health Compensation for First Responders
March 7th, 2018 by Jake StofanDuring the annual Ringing of the Bell Ceremony for Fallen Firefighters, Governor Rick Scott announced he plans to sign legislation to require workers comp for first responders cover mental health the same way it covers physical injuries.
The bill addresses the high suicide rates of fire fighters and other first responders that results from the tragic incidents they witness on a regular basis. The legislation was a priority of Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis.
“To ensure that our firefighters needs, those silent needs that we don’t hear about are truly addressed and those benefits that they needed in order to get the help possible will become a reality and the Governor just concluded with that, he’ll sign it, so it’s actually a really great day of celebration of life too,” said Patronis.
Two fire fighters who lost their lives in the line of duty were honored at the ceremony. James F. Dorminy with Reedy Creek Fire Department and Joseph T. DeMarinis with Clermont Fire Department.
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