FL Firefighter's Suicide Sparks Effort On PTSD Healthcare

Nov. 21, 2017
After a Tampa firefighter/paramedic's suicide, legislation has been proposed for first responders battling post-traumatic stress.

Firefighters in Florida are covered by workers' compensation for physical injuries suffered on the job, but that is not the case for mental health injuries.

Tampa firefighter/paramedic Steve LaDue experienced many dark moments in 29 years on the job that left him hurting, and in September he took his own life after falling into a deep depression as a result of PTSD.

Representative Matt Willhite, D-Palm Beach, is now introducing legislation requiring workers' comp to pay for first responders' mental health treatments.