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. “This is going to be a change that’s very good for Minnesota police, fire first responders and others in dealing with PTSD,” said Senator Nick Frentz, DFL – North Mankato.