Rep. Brennan Applauds Passage of Provision Establishing First Responder PTSI Fund Commission and Investing $40 Million in Support Services

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today celebrated the passage of the provision added to Sub. H.B. 479, informally, Kandice Straub First Responder PTSI Support Act, establishing the First Responder Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Fund Commission and transferring $40 million into the state’s PTSI Fund, marking a major step forward in Ohio’s effort to support firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and dispatchers suffering from trauma sustained in the line of duty.

The newly created commission will oversee the fund, establish procedures for claims and benefits, and ensure resources are distributed to first responders affected by post-traumatic stress injuries.

Since joining the General Assembly nearly three years ago, Rep. Brennan has championed this issue alongside public safety organizations across Ohio. As ranking member of the House Public Pensions & Insurance Committee, he has been a leading advocate for reforming how Ohio recognizes and responds to mental-health injuries experienced in the line of duty.

“For too long, first responders have told us their bodies might leave the scene of an incident, but their minds stay behind,” said Rep. Brennan. “PTSI is real. It can carry as much weight as any broken bone, and it does not always come with visible scars. With the creation of this commission and the investment of $40 million into the fund, Ohio is taking meaningful action to recognize and address those invisible wounds.”

Rep. Brennan emphasized that this legislation carries deep personal significance, both because of his father-in-law’s service as a firefighter and because of the tragic loss of Parma Police Officer Kandice Straub. Officer Straub joined the department in December 2019 and made history as its first female SWAT team member.

“The loss of Kandice Straub broke hearts across our state and should have galvanized all of us to act,” Rep. Brennan continued. “Too many first responders suffer in silence, and too many families grieve alone. In Kandice’s memory, and on behalf of every firefighter, police officer, EMT, paramedic, and dispatcher who has carried trauma without adequate support, I have called this effort the Kandice Straub First Responder PTSI Support Act. Her legacy demands nothing less than meaningful and lasting change.”

The $40 million investment will provide the financial foundation for treatment, benefits, claims administration, and other support services for first responders who experience post-traumatic stress injuries as a result of their service to Ohio communities.

“Our first responders run toward danger when others run away,” Rep. Brennan said. “Today, Ohio continued running toward them. Creating this commission and funding this program sends a clear message: we recognize the sacrifices first responders make, and we are committed to supporting their mental health just as we support their physical safety. This is a landmark achievement, but our work to care for those who care for us must continue.”

The full legislation now heads to the governor for his consideration.