New law signed by Governor Ducey expands PTSD treatment for first responders

Governor Doug Ducey was joined by the family of Phoenix police officer Craig Tiger on Thursday for a ceremonial bill signing of the “Officer Craig Tiger Act.”

This bill was in response to the loss of Officer Tiger, who used deadly force on a subject in 2012 who was assaulting him and his partner.

After this incident, Officer Tiger attempted suicide one year after the shooting and in 2014 he committed suicide. Officer Tiger’s death was believed to be a result of undiagnosed and untreated PTSD.

This bill increases the number of counseling sessions that must be covered if a licensed mental health professional believes that further counseling will help after experiencing a traumatic event on the job.

Employers will be prohibited from requiring a first responder to use PTO or other leave to attend counseling visits if someone is unable to return to duty during treatment.

They will not lose their pay or benefits.

“Arizona is grateful to the first responders who put their lives on the line every single day to protect our communities,” said Governor Ducey. “With these commitments and sacrifices, we want to ensure that those who experience trauma on the job have access to the support they need.”

Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams, Phoenix Police Chief Jerri Williams, Phoenix Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner, Representative Paul Boyer, Senator Rick Gray and Representative Mark Finchem also joined Governor Ducey and the family of Officer Tiger at the ceremonial bill signing.