The wife of an Orlando Police officer is fighting for her husband and other first responders after learning that workers' compensation doesn’t cover post-traumatic stress disorder.

  • Wife of Orlando Police officer fighting for husband, other first responders
  • Workers' compensation doesn't cover PTSD
  • Officer Realin developed PTSD after the Pulse shooting

“I think it’s horrific. No first responder signs up for this position and says, ‘Let me look at the rulebook and find out what I’m covered for,'" said Jessica Realin. “I think Floridians have the responsibility to give them those benefits.”

Jessica said her husband, Gerry, suffers from PTSD, and was diagnosed following the shooting at Pulse nightclub. The officer was part of a small, seven-person hazmat team tasked with pulling bodies from the club.

“My husband has such a strong character that even though if he were to face something that horrific, I would have never thought it could’ve shook him to the way he is now," she said. “He wasn’t sleeping, barely eating.”

Under Florida law, claims are only covered if PTSD is accompanied by another injury. Officer Realin developed hypertension as a result of the stress of the disorder. Workers' compensation then kicked in, according to his wife.

But, Jessica said that she sees the bigger picture of injustice for those putting their lives on the line for the community—and now, she's not the only one lobbying for the cause.

Senator Victor Torres, who represents Orange and Osceola counties, filed legislation for workers' compensation for first responders as well.

His bill SB 1088, which is now in committee, will need the support of the House and Senate to pass.

Since August, Officer Realin has been undergoing treatment, visiting twice a week with both a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. He also does paddle boarding therapy with veterans, perfect, his wife said, since he loves to fish and be immersed in nature.

"I see a small glimpse of what he used to be," Jessica said. “The medication has helped, therapy has helped. I want my husband to be the best man that he can be for our children, because my children haven’t gotten to know their dad like I know him.”

University of Central Florida’s Dr. Deborah Beidel doesn’t treat Realin, but said PTSD in first responders is under-diagnosed and can lead to suicide. That’s why therapy is key.

“The idea of treatment is to get you back to functioning and being able to do your job," said Beidel. “It’s out there, it is a problem. There’s no VA for someone who is a first responder.”

Last week, Orlando Police Department ordered Realin back to work in a new position, a bike safety program called STOPS. A memo sent to the officer detailed the assignment, noting his "authorized treating physician" cleared him to return in a limited-duty status.

But, on March 6, Realin didn’t show up -- and still has not returned.

“His doctor made a more clear note that he did not clear him for work," explained Jessica, adding that her husband is not yet ready to return. “I think it’s a new territory for them. I think they’re trying their best to understand something that’s hard to understand.”

Orlando Police Friday confirmed that Realin's doctor sent such a note, clarifying that he's not yet cleared for work.

"Hopefully Ofc. Realin is approved to return to work and we can place him in a position consistent with the physician's orders," said the department's public information officer in an email.

Now, as she watches her husband struggle to get better, Jessica grapples with the reality of Florida law. The experience propelled Jessica to start a movement, called Blue and Red, supporting first responders and fighting for workers' compensation.

“I hope that this law gets changed because they all deserve the right to heal, in their own time, in their own way, and be able to get back to work," she said. “Our families are giving up the best sacrifice… we’re saying we need a little bit of help.”