Firefighters Walk from Cleveland to Nashville, Draw Attention to Workers Comp Bill

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Today a pair of Cleveland firefighters began a nine day walk to the State Capitol in Nashville.

They took a pit stop at Wired Coffee in Ooltewah to speak with News 12 about their mission.

“What we are doing is raising awareness of PTSD in the fire service, and we are trying to get a bill passed, which is now called the James Dustin Samples Act,” said Nathan Kuzdzal, a Cleveland Firefighter.

The bill in question is named after Captain Dustin Samples of the Cleveland Fire Department, who tragically passed away in December of 2020.

The bill, which is supported by firefighters statewide, would qualify PTSD as an injury suffered in the course of their work.

“This bill is going to help with treatment for the guys. It’s going to give them an avenue to be treated; it’s going to take the burdens of their family for, you know, for financial reasons, things like that. And we just have to keep in mind that when someone suffers from PTSD, it’s not just that person,” said Jeremiah Million, President of the Cleveland Firefighters Associations.

The legislation would make fire fighters who are suffering from PTSD eligible for workers compensation, citing an epidemic of firefighters choosing to take their own lives as a result of the disorder.

“There’s always been a stigma in the fire service that, you know, we’re tough guys. If we say we need help, if we say there’s an issue, maybe you’re looked down upon or you’re not fit for duty, and that’s a culture that we’re trying to change, and this is one step in that mission.”

The Cleveland firefighters will arrive at the Capitol on the twenty-third.