First responders law ‘Ashley Wilson Act’ [Video]

A new state law goes into effect July 1 that will help first responders who often witness traumatic events. It’s called the “Ashley Wilson Act” after the Gwinnett County Police sergeant who advocated for it.

Sgt. Wilson suffered PTSD after seeing a fellow officer die in the line of duty.

“The trauma of watching someone die in front of you physically changes your brain,” said Sgt. Wilson.

In October 2018, Gwinnett County Police responded to a suspicious vehicle call. Officer Antwan Toney was first on scene. He barely made it out of his car when he was shot 6 times.

Sgt. Wilson stayed with him, rendering aid and giving him CPR. Officer Toney died from his injuries.

“I had nightmares. I had flashbacks,” said Sgt. Wilson.

NEW GEORGIA LAWS GO INTO EFFECT JULY 1

Sgt. Wilson says the PTSD she suffered was debilitating. She even considered suicide. She says thanks to her family and her department, she got the mental health treatment she needed and to get …