Fired TX Asst. Chief Wins PTSD Workers' Comp Benefits Claim

Frisco Assistant Chief Cameron Kraemer has won his PTSD worker's compensation appeal.

An administrative law judge has ordered the City of Frisco, which is self-insured, to pay Kraemer benefits and any accrued but unpaid income benefits in a lump sum with interest as provided by law. The city previously refused to mediate a settlement of the dispute.

Kraemer was on leave and being treated for PTSD after experiencing horrific incidents during his career when the city fired him. He said the city didn't believe it was work-related.

Matthew Sapp, president of the Frisco Fire Fighters Association, said in a statement: “Cameron Kraemer was undergoing treatment for line-of-duty injuries clearly recognized by the state legislature and medical experts, but the City of Frisco chose to break the law, deny him insurance coverage, and terminate him. The City wasted taxpayer resources on this case, but we’re grateful for the ruling and vindication of Cameron.”

 He also is exploring legal options regarding the city’s wrongful termination.

 “The disappointing reality is too many city officials stand with firefighters at elections, parades and memorial services, but they then fight us behind closed doors at city hall. We hope this case reminds cities like Frisco that the state legislature had made it clear that line-of-duty injuries cannot be systematically ignored and denied. We also hope this ruling opens the door for more cooperation in Frisco and elsewhere going forward. If not, we’ll be prepared to take these issues to Frisco citizens and the courts. The law is clearly on the side of firefighters injured on the job,”  Sapp added.