The governor has signed into law a bill by a Ventura County legislator intended to help first responders cope with the trauma of dealing with events like the Borderline Bar and Grill attack in Thousand Oaks. SB 542 will make it easier for law enforcement officers and firefighters to access mental health services for post-traumatic stress disorder.
In 2018, 159 law enforcement officers nationwide committed suicide. That’s more than the number of officers who died in the line of duty.
Democratic Senator Henry Stern authored the legislation. Stern says public safety workers deal with incredibly stressful situations, from horrific crimes to disasters like the Woolsey Fire.
The legislation makes it easier for first responders with potential PTSD to get help through the workers compensation process.
Stern represents parts of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
