FL Firefighter's Suicide Sparks Effort On PTSD Healthcare

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

Nov. 21, 2017

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.