Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for First Responders

First Responders

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Florida League of Cities Attempt to Derail Legislation for First Responders is Disgraceful

Posted on

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today provided an analysis of a report commissioned by the Florida League of Cities on legislation that would allow first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access to mental health benefits to members of the Senate Appropriations and House Government Accountability Committees. Below please find a statement from CFO Patronis and a copy of the analysis memorandum.

“Florida League of Cities lobbyists have, at every step of the legislative committee process, vehemently opposed a measure that would allow Florida’s first responders to seek treatment for PTSD. Their opposition comes despite the fact that this measure has passed every House and Senate committee unanimously. Florida League of Cities lobbyists have now gone further to commission a report, wrought with flawed and erroneous data, to support why they don’t care about the first responders who make up the communities they represent.

“Our analysis revealed that not only does the report reflect a minimal impact, but there are outrageous and absurd assumptions made to skew opinion on this important issue. Knowingly peddling a deceptive report to defeat a measure that would allow first responders suffering from PTSD to get help is nothing short of disgraceful. Firefighters, for example, have a suicide attempt rate five times the general adult population. Suicide is not a solution.

“As we discuss increasing mental health resources in response to the Parkland tragedy, it would be shameful if an inaccurate report prevented our first responders, who struggle to deal with the immense psychological and emotional toll of their job, from getting the help they deserve.

“To combat the attempt by the Florida League of Cities lobbyists to derail this life or death issue, at my direction the Division of Workers’ Compensation analyzed their report and uncovered shocking flaws.”

MEMORANDUM

To: Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and House Government Accountability Committee

From: Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis

Date: Monday, February 26, 2018

Subject: Analysis of Florida League of Cities’ Study on House Bill 227

Currently, Florida’s workers’ compensation system does not cover mental injuries for first responders unless accompanied by a physical injury. House Bill 227 and Senate Bill 376 aim to make post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a covered treatment for first responders under workers’ compensation without requiring a physical injury. Below please find CFO Patronis’ Division of Workers’ Compensation (“Division”) analysis of a report commissioned by the Florida League of Cities. The analysis was conducted on February 23, 2018 after a request for the report had been made.

Invented Worst-Case Scenarios. The Florida League of Cities’ report overestimates the amount of time a first responder could be out of work by nearly six times the Florida standard. The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) Florida CompScope report indicates the average duration for a typical Florida lost-time claim to be 11 to 13 weeks, while the Florida League of Cities’ report estimates 6 to 18 months. The Florida League of Cities report uses each and every “worst case scenario” possible to estimate the cost of lost wages (indemnity), and assumes first responders will always receive the highest disability amount available. The Florida League of Cities also ignores the effect of return-to-work programs on mitigating indemnity costs. First responders may return to work in another role while remaining at the same pay or are able to work in a different capacity at a reduced salary. In this situation, the first responder will receive temporary partial benefits, which will offset some of the differential in pre-and post-injury salary amounts.

Absurd Assumptions about Eligibility. The report assumes that 100 percent of first responderseligible to receive benefits will seek treatment and immediately begin “out of work” status. Testimony and first responder behavior demonstrate that this assumption is grossly overstated. By using this assumption, local governments would also have to expect to replace every single one of their first responder employees, which is absurd.

Assumes Costs are Immediate. The Florida League of Cities’ report seems to present that costs will all be immediately realized. The cost estimates presented in the report represent the total costs paid out over the life of the claim, which can take several years and often vary year to year.

Uncertainty. The Florida League of Cities’ report is unable to actually predict with certainty the fiscal impact of the bill because of the vast variations in the data for the possible total cost to local governments. By the Division’s calculations, there is a 587 percent difference between the central cost estimates and the lowest cost estimate, and a 195 percent difference between the central cost estimates and highest cost estimate.

Report Reflects Minimal Impact. Even if one were to believe the exaggerated assumptions and data choices, the impact to local governments still only represents .08 percent (low severity) to 1.58 percent (high severity) of the current budgets of the largest users of the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis on Passage of PTSD Benefits for First Responders Out of Second House Committee

Posted on

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the unanimous approval of House Bill 227 today by the Florida House of Representatives Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee.

“To those opposing this good measure, I ask ‘what is a first responder’s life worth?’ First responders show up for us and our families without hesitation. It’s unacceptable that mental health is not a benefit for our first responders. With more than 15 percent of firefighters reported having made at least one suicide attempt during their time in fire service, it’s our responsibility to make mental health benefits more accessible and affordable for our first responders. I urge the House and Senate to continue to move QUICKLY on this bill so our first responders can get the help they need.”

The next stop for HB 227, sponsored by Rep. Matt Willhite, is the House Government Accountability Committee.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Puts Full Weight of Office Behind First Responders

Posted on

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding the unanimous approval of Senate Bill 376 by the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, sponsored by Senator Lauren Book.  
“The numbers don’t lie. More than 15 percent of firefighters reported having made at least one suicide attempt during their time in the fire service, compared to about 2 percent of the general population. Forty-six percent of firefighters reported having thought about suicide, compared to about 5 percent of the US population. These statistics are alarming and this is what we are fighting to change this session.
Our first responders arrive on any emergency scene without hesitation, without question. We can only imagine how difficult it is to face what they see daily. I’m putting the full weight of my office to increase benefits this legislative session for our first responders who suffer from PTSD. It’s time Florida step up for our fearless first responders.”

Gov. Scott Thanks Law Enforcement and First Responders in Seminole County

Posted on

SANFORD, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Professional Development Center to thank local law enforcement, emergency management officials and first responders for their commitment to Florida families before, during and after Hurricane Irma. The Governor also announced that Florida’s law enforcement officers and first responders will be able to enjoy license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing beginning today through June 30, 2018.

Since Hurricane Irma moved through the state, Governor Scott has visited communities in the Florida Keys, Southwest Florida and Northeast Florida to thank law enforcement and first responders and discuss recovery efforts with local leaders.  See updated statewide Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts HERE.

Gov. Scott Announces License-Free Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing for Florida Law Enforcement and First Responders

Posted on

SANFORD, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida’s law enforcement officers and first responders will be able to enjoy license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing beginning today through June 30, 2018. This is in recognition of their lifesaving work preparing and responding to Hurricane Irma. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will accept official first responder identification in lieu of a Florida fishing license during this period. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is also offering free day-passes to Florida State Parks that can be used on an unlimited basis until October 2018 for all law enforcement officers, first responders and utility workers.

 Governor Scott said, “Before and after Hurricane Irma, Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and first responders have been tirelessly working around the clock to meet the needs of our families and communities. Even as their own families were evacuating or working to begin the recovery process, they have been putting their own lives on the line to keep our state safe. We owe these brave heroes a debt of gratitude, and I am proud to announce this license-free fishing opportunity as a gesture of appreciation and recognition for their service to our state.”

Brian Yablonski, FWC Chairman, said, “These true heroes of hurricane response efforts will be able to enjoy Florida’s world class freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities without buying a fishing license. It is our hope this small token of appreciation will give these dedicated men and women an opportunity to get a break from stressful recovery work so they can relax and enjoy good times fishing with family and friends.”

Gov. Scott to Thank Law Enforcement and First Responders in Tampa

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, September 19th, Governor Rick Scott will visit the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to thank local law enforcement, emergency management officials and first responders for their commitment to Florida families before, during and after Hurricane Irma. The Governor will also give an update on Hurricane Maria.
WHAT: Hurricane Irma First Responder Appreciation Event, Update on Hurricane Maria
WHEN: 11:00 AM
WHERE: Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office, District 2
2310 N Falkenburg Rd.
Tampa, FL 33619

Senator Farmer Thanks First Responders

Posted on

On the 16th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and following Hurricane Irma

16 years ago our country suffered a devastating attack that was felt the world over. Today we remember that what makes us stronger as Americans is our dogged persistence, even in the face of hatred and bigotry, to our founding principles of tolerance and love for our fellow man.
It is in our response to adversity that our character is truly revealed. On September 11, 2001 we saw the character of America, and it was one of which we could be proud. Once again, today we are faced with adversity, this time in the form of a devastating hurricane. Much like on the fateful day of 9/11 we have seen our first responders put others first in an effort to secure the safety of our communities. We have seen an outpouring of support from fellow Floridians and our friends in states across the country.  On a day when we remember the sacrifices of those who choose to run into burning buildings, we could not have a better example to look upon than the brave men and women who are actively supporting us now, from far and wide.
Today, recall the amazing work that our police, fire, EMT’s, and national guardsmen do for us each and every day. Remember that there are those who forgo personal safety for the benefit of others. Thank you to our first responders.
As we remember this solemn moment in America’s recent history, I wish you all a path to swift recovery.
-Senator Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

Senator Torres files legislation to aid First Responders suffering from PTSD

Posted on

Senator Victor Torres (D-Orlando) on Tuesday filed SB 1088 which amends Florida’s workers compensation law to allow first responders suffering from work related mental illnesses, like PTSD, to receive lost wages during their recovery and treatment.
“The least we can do for those who put their lives on the line every day to protect the citizens of this state is make sure they have the ability to get the treatment they need and provide for their families while they are recovering from any physical or mental illnesses,” said Senator Torres.
Under current law, in order for first responders to be eligible for lost wages while recovering from a mental disability, such as PTSD, it must also be accompanied by a physical injury.  This bill simply clarifies language under the workers compensation statue and separates the mental injury from the requirement of being related to a physical injury.
Jessica Realin, whose husband Gerry is currently suffering from PTSD after responding to the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL last summer, praised the legislation. “On behalf of the First Responders of Florida, the spouses and families of First Responders and my beloved husband, Officer Gerry Realin, I want to thank Senator Victor Torres for filing SB 1088. This measure truly has the first responders in mind, and recognizes that they, too, deserve our support.”
Organizations announcing their support of Senator Torres’ legislation include:

  1. Florida Police Chief Association (FPCA)
  2. Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
  3. Florida Sheriff Association (FSA)
  4. Police Benevolent Association (PBA)
  5. Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF)
  6. Florida State Firemen’s Association (FSFA)
  7. Florida Fire Chiefs Association (FFCA)

Commissioner Adam Putnam Joins First Responders to Kick-off 2017 Florida State Fair

Posted on

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam, along with Attorney General Pam Bondi and first responders, today kicked-off the Florida State Fair with the annual “flip the switch” ceremony, turning on the fair’s lights for the first time this year. 2.9.2017 Florida State Fair
Opening day is “Salute to Heroes” day, and it continues the longstanding tradition of welcoming active duty military, veterans and first responders free of charge in recognition of their service to Florida and the nation.
First responder and law enforcement agencies present during the “flip the switch” ceremony included:

  • Florida National Guard
  • Florida Highway Patrol
  • Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
  • Tampa Fire Rescue
  • Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
  • Florida Forest Service
  • Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement

Many new attractions are making their first national appearance at the Florida State Fair, as Florida is home to the first state fair of the year. The fair unveiled the largest traveling Ferris wheel, the Midway Sky Eye, in its North American debut. It boasts a height of 155 feet, and riders can see farther than 15 miles when situated at the top of the wheel. Other additions to the Florida State Fair include the Street Fighter 360 and the New Super Slide, which stands 60 feet tall and 180 feet long.
The Florida State Fair also showcases Florida’s livestock, poultry and fresh produce. More than 5,000 animals will be shown in competitions throughout the fair, with more than 1,500 FFA and 4-H participants. Fairgoers have the opportunity to learn about Florida’s agricultural process from numerous educational activities, such as orange juice tasting, hydroponic demonstrations and meal planning.
This year marks the 113th anniversary of the Florida State Fair. The first Florida State Fair was held in 1904 near Henry Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel, which is now the site of the University of Tampa, and it moved to its current location in 1977.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com. For more information on the Florida State Fair, visit FloridaStateFair.com.
Photo caption: Commissioner Adam H. Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chairman of the Florida State Fair Authority Doyle Carlton with first responders to “flip the switch” for the 113th Florida State Fair.