NJ bill would protect first responders with PTSD: ‘Seen the worst'
'Not one of us was ok with what we saw,' said Lavin, who retired as a sergeant. 'We had instances where we found people in their couch, in their bed, under their bed, in their closet, who didn't survive.'
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He said he kept his PTSD a secret out of fear he'd maybe lose his job or be suspended.
On Monday, he went to the State House to deliver powerful testimony in support of a bill that aims to give job protection to first responders with certain cases of work-related PTSD.
'This bill would put it where PTSD is recognized, is handled the same way any other injury is, through worker's comp; you stay on the job, you stay with your pay, your pension, your health care so you can get that treatment,' said Lavin.
Advocates with the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police say it's a bill that not only promotes treatment for PTSD but can prevent suicide.
'You go to the fatal car accident, and half an hour later, you're going to a baby that just died,' said Scott Cox, another retired officer who now works with Lavin at the NJFOP. 'There's no place on earth where a police officer or a first responder hasn't seen the worst.'
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The bill would prohibit departments from firing, harassing, or discriminating against any paid first responder who takes or requests a leave due to PTSD. Primary sponsor Assemblyman Bill Moen hopes to see the bill head to the floor again.
'This legislation, it passed with broad bi-partisan support through the State Assembly in the last legislative session,' said Moen (D-NJ 5th District). 'There is a track record for getting this done so I do hope this is up soon.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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