Authorizes the county of Tompkins to offer an optional twenty year retirement plan to Kyle Davenport, a deputy sheriff employed by such county

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Lea Webb says this is needed

First responders are frequently exposed to distressing situations. To help address the emotional toll on these individuals it is vital that the State, Provides accessible resources such as peer support programs. The FBI has acknowledged that peer support programs are a unique service As they allow individuals with personal experience to assist others dealing with similar experiences through increased awareness, vigilance, empathic responses and emotional validation. These Peer support services have been proven effective in identifying risk factors for, behavioral and mental health problems, reducing stigma, creating a welcoming envi- ronment and connecting individuals with outside professional resources for additional care when necessary. Modeled after the highly successful Joseph P. Dwyer. Veterans Peer to Peer Support Program, which was launched in 2812, this bill would estab- lish a First Responder Peer Support Program. This program would focus on prioritizing the mental well-being of the state's volunteer and paid first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, emergency dispatchers and other personnel as desig- nated by the Governor. By enacting this bill we can ensure that first responders have access to the necessary systems to address some of the challenges they face.,

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.