Thurston County Sheriff's Officers urge support for PTSD bill amid personal testimonies

The Senate Law & Justice Committee convened on February 17, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding corrections officer wellness and the implications of proposed legislation. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including law enforcement officials and representatives from the Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

James McMahon, policy director for the Association, opened the session by expressing support for a bill aimed at enhancing the welfare of corrections officers. He highlighted the tragic case of a former corrections officer, John, who suffered from PTSD and ultimately took his life. McMahon emphasized that the challenges faced by officers extend beyond policy and fiscal concerns, urging the committee to advance the bill.

Lieutenant Teresa Becker from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office shared her personal experience with PTSD, detailing the struggles her husband faced after a violent incident. She criticized the limitations of the Labor and Industries (L&I) claims process, which she argued forces officers to endure further trauma before receiving necessary support. Becker called for the passage of the bill to improve conditions for officers.

Jenny Hovda, also from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, echoed Becker's sentiments, recounting her own experiences and the establishment of a peer support program to address mental health issues among officers. She urged the committee to support the legislation, citing the cumulative nature of PTSD in the corrections environment.

Deputy Peter Bertram provided a stark account of the traumatic experiences faced by corrections officers, emphasizing the psychological toll of their daily encounters. He encouraged the committee to recognize the severity of these issues and support the bill.

During the meeting, Representative Schmick raised questions regarding the L&I claims process, seeking clarification on how it affects officers seeking help for PTSD. Becker explained the challenges her husband faced in obtaining a diagnosis and filing a claim, illustrating the bureaucratic hurdles that complicate access to mental health support.

The session concluded with testimony from Rose Gunderson of the Washington Retail Association, who opposed the bill due to concerns about its fiscal implications. She argued that the financial analysis accompanying the legislation underestimated its impact on the state budget.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for legislative action to address the mental health challenges faced by corrections officers, while also highlighting the complexities of the claims process that can hinder access to necessary support. The committee's next steps remain to be determined as they consider the testimonies and implications of the proposed legislation.