A bill was filed yesterday in the State of Tennessee called the James ‘Dustin’ Samples Act, which seeks to reduce stigma and provide support for firefighters following a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis.
State Senator Paul Bailey and Representative Johnny
Garrett filed the bill 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.
