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Cochran council OKs $7,000 PTSD insurance line for full-time first responders
Summary
The council approved a $7,000 budget amendment to provide PTSD insurance/services for full-time first responders as required by the Ashley Wilson Act, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
The Cochran City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to amend the city budget to authorize $7,000 for PTSD insurance and related services for full-time first responders, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Council Member Shane Savant moved to approve the amendment, citing the city's obligation under the Ashley Wilson Act to provide coverage for first responders who suffer from post-traumatic stress. Council Member Gary Ates seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Why it matters: The Ashley Wilson Act requires local governments to provide PTSD coverage for certain first responders; the council’s action funds that benefit for Cochran’s full-time firefighters and police officers for calendar year 2025.
The meeting minutes do not specify the vendor, administrative details, or whether the $7,000 represents a pilot amount or the full annual cost; those details will be finalized by staff as the city implements the program.
Next steps: City staff will implement the insurance/services coverage effective Jan. 1, 2025, and return to council if further budget amendments or vendor contracts are required.
