Organization helps first responders dealing with PTSD

Stress can be deadly if you are a first responder.

That is why a group, made up primarily of medically retired police officers who are suffering from stress injuries, have decided to form a non-profit organization called Post-Incident Stress and Trauma in Law Enforcement (PISTLE).

“We want to work with departments on updating policies and procedures in dealing with stress injuries,” said spokesman and retired Mesa police officer Nathan Schlitz. “We want them to realize and to urge them to get their officers help in a timely manner because it just hasn’t been happening.”

He said the main mission is to assist any officer who needs help get the attention they need.

“Hopefully we can help prevent, possibly another suicide,” Schlitz said.