Advocates say CT limits life-saving treatment for police officers

The recent high-profile deaths of police officers in Connecticut have sparked an outpouring of sympathy and gratitude for the sacrifice and service of police officers. But officials say officers are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. And activists are concerned that the state is restricting access to help.

In 2020, 116 police officers died by suicide in the United States, while 113 died in the line of duty. In 2021, that number rose to 150 police officers who died by suicide, according to the FBI’s data collection on police officer suicides. In addition, police officers are 54% more likely to commit suicide than the civilian population.

And while June is often considered a time for fun and relaxation, this month marks the 10th anniversary of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and educating others about an often stigmatized mental illness. PTSD is often triggered by stressful conditions and traumatic events that are common for people who respond to emergencies on a daily basis.

“Our goal is clear: We want to make sure every police officer knows they are not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” said Sergeant Luke Davis of the Connecticut State Police at a press conference Thursday in the presence of police officers and officials. “By investing in their mental health, we are investing in the resilience and effectiveness of our entire force.”

Davis joined several other speakers, including Auditor Sean Scanlon, Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano, State Senator Cathy Osten, State Rep. Mary Fortier, Bristol Fire Chief Rick Hart, Deputy Fire Chief Todd Correll, New Britain EMS Captain Patrick Ciardullo Jody Barr, AFSCME President Peter Brown, UPFFA President Jeff Tomchick, UPFFA Legislative Affairs and Sherri Martin, National Director of Wellness Services for the Fraternal Order of Police, to celebrate the progress made in mental health and recognize the work that still needs to be done.

The press conference was held at the Bristol Fire Department headquarters on N. Main Street, not far from where two firefighters were shot and killed in a brutal ambush in 2022.

“It’s very fitting that we are here in Bristol to talk about PTSD, something that is very close to my heart,” said Caggiano. “What happened here in October 2022 taught us some important lessons.”

Scanlon and others joined in celebrating the fifth anniversary of the passage of a major state law that expanded workers’ compensation benefits to first responders with PTSD. Previously, workers’ compensation only covered psychological injuries when they occurred in conjunction with physical injuries. With the law signed by Governor Ned Lamont in 2019, Connecticut became one of the first states to recognize compensation for PTSD-related injuries.

“We’re here today to make sure our first responders have access to the mental health care they deserve,” Scanlon said. “So that if they have a traumatic experience in the line of duty, they can get the help they need. Over the last five years, many people have come forward and gotten that help. But unfortunately, like all mental illnesses, there’s still a lot of stigma attached to it and there are a lot of people who don’t get help.”

Scanlon said the issue affected him personally because his father, a Vietnam veteran and Bronx police officer, died when he was young. The comptroller urged all first responders to get help when they need it and not to be embarrassed or ashamed.

“My father was one of the toughest guys I’ve ever met. He came back from Vietnam and became a cop in the South Bronx, but he never talked about it,” Scanlon said. “I always think of my father when something like that comes up. Because even though he was the typical tough guy, he was also someone who I know firsthand would have benefited from something like that.”

But many also said police officers still aren’t entitled to compensation because the current PTSD eligibility requirement is too strict. Jody Barr, executive director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, said the law needs to be expanded to cover more traumatic incidents.

“One of our police officers shot and killed a man who was firing wildly at motorists,” Barr said. “The officer had to shoot the gunman to protect the public. He then provided life-saving aid to the shooter. He suffered from PTSD symptoms following this incident, but was denied PTSD workers’ compensation because current eligibility rules are so restrictive.”

Under current state law, insurance coverage is available for police officers, probation officers and firefighters who have experienced one of the following six events:

• Witnessing the death of a person
• Witnessing an injury that shortly afterwards causes the death of a person
• Treatment of an injured person who dies shortly afterwards
• Carrying an injured person who dies shortly afterwards
• Visitation of a deceased minor
• Witnessing an incident that results in a person losing a body part, suffering a loss of function or resulting in permanent disfigurement

But Barr and others are arguing for expanding those eligibility requirements because the treatment helps police officers and firefighters get back to work more quickly, an important issue for departments already struggling with staffing problems.

“Police and correctional officers die approximately 20 years earlier than the general population because of their constant exposure to potentially traumatic events,” Barr said. “Treating PTSD can help reduce the death rate among workers who dedicate their lives to keeping the public safe.”

Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]