Emergency personnel across the state are close to receiving the same help they do right in your own backyard.
Assembly Bill 576, introduced by State Rep. Joel Kitchens and cosponsored by State Sen. Andre Jacque, was unanimously approved by the State Assembly on Wednesday. The bill will require the Department of Justice to implement peer support teams and critical incident stress management services teams for law enforcement and emergency services teams across the state.
"Too often, first responders' only way to cope with the stress of their job is to tough it out. Some call that 'John Wayne Syndrome,'" Kitchens said, "My bill will make sure there is confidential help from others who understand."
When the bill received hearings earlier this month, Door County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Pat McCarty testified in favor of the bill, citing the success of its own mental wellness program in recent years. McCarty said that the impact of witnessing traumatic events can pile up over time if not adequately addressed.
McCarty added that mental wellness programs like theirs are becoming an expectation of emergency personnel recruits. The bill now goes to the State Senate for further consideration before it potentially heads to Governor Tony Evers for his signature.
