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Bill named after Cleveland firefighter would support fire personnel with PTSD diagnosis

From the Chattanoogan: State Senator Paul Bailey and Rep. Johnny Garrett on Monday filed the James ‘Dustin’ Samples Act, which seeks to reduce sti

From the Chattanoogan: State Senator Paul Bailey and Rep. Johnny Garrett on Monday filed the James ‘Dustin’ Samples Act, which seeks to reduce stigma and provide support for firefighters following a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis.

 

The bill is named in honor of Captain James ‘Dustin’ Samples of the Cleveland Fire Department, who tragically committed suicide in 2020 after a years-long struggle with PTSD.

 

If passed, the bill will make the diagnosis of PTSD for a firefighter presumed to be an injury suffered in the course of employment if certain criteria is met.

 

The entirety of the Senate and a majority of the House have signed on as cosponsors.