A new law taking effect in 2019, will help first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder get coverage through workers’ compensation.
Brian Cristofono landed his dream job as a firefighter in Maplewood and eventually moved to a St. Paul department. It was the job he always knew was in his blood.
“At first you feel like a superhero, especially after you get the job you’ve been gunning for forever, and I think at first, the more traumatic the call, the more dangerous the call, it was like a badge of honor,” said Cristofono, a former firefighter.
Eventually, seeing all that trauma took its toll.
Cristofono’s marriage fell apart and he even contemplated suicide. He eventually had to retire in 2017. Since then, he has been pushing for change for his fellow first responders. He says a new law in how PTSD is covered by workers’ comp, is a step in the right direction.