Family Will Get Disability Benefits in Ex-Phoenix Officer's PTSD Suicide

A police board on Wednesday approved disability benefits for the family of Craig Tiger, a former Phoenix officer whose suicide became a rallying cry for changes in how the department handles PTSD, reports the Arizona Republic .

Members of the five-person Phoenix Police Pension Board agreed to the measure in a 3-1 vote, with one member absent from the afternoon hearing. Details of the benefit package were unclear.

Tiger's supporters say the move validates PTSD as a real and serious injury in an industry that values unflappable mental health.

"I'm so grateful that they saw the truth, there's no more convincing of anyone of Craig's injury," said Rebecca Tiger, Craig's ex-wife. "This invisible injury has finally been seen."

Rebecca filed for the benefits on behalf of their children.

The board had previously questioned whether Tiger's estate is eligible for the benefits, because one of the eligibility requirements is that the employment had to end by reasons of disability. Tiger was fired in 2013 after receiving a DUI.

Tiger's supporters say his DUI and subsequent dismissal stemmed from his work, however.

In 2012, Tiger was involved in an on-duty fatal shooting that triggered post-traumatic stress disorder. According to his family and friends, it was the PTSD that led to the DUI, termination, and ultimate death.