State by State: May 2021

COLORADO: Ten Dead, Including Officer, in Supermarket Shooting

Ten people, one of them a Boulder police officer, are dead following a shooting at a King Soopers supermarket in south Boulder in March. The victims included Boulder police officer Eric Talley, who was the first responder to the scene. “Like my fellow Coloradans, I am closely watching unfolding events at King Soopers in Boulder,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “My prayers are with our fellow Coloradans in this time of sadness and grief as we learn more about the extent of the tragedy.” Authorities identified the shooter as 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa. He is believed to have acted alone. 

CONNECTICUT: FD’s PIO Arrested for Posting Victim Photos

The public information officer for a Montville fire company was arrested because he posted pictures of crash victims without their permission, police said. Steven Frischling, 45, was taken into custody at his home on two counts of unauthorized transmitting by a first responder. It wasn’t clear if a complaint led to the investigation. A post on the Chesterfield Fire Co. PIO Facebook page said Frischling was allowed to photograph the crash scene and victims because it is his job; the law specifically exempts people who are performing their duties, it said. 

OREGON: COVID Persisting in Senior Facilities Despite Vaccines

More than a dozen Oregon senior care homes have reported coronavirus outbreaks even after staff and residents were offered vaccines, pointing to the reality that vaccine access, while important, has not been a panacea for completely ending some outbreaks. In all, at least 15 nursing, assisted living, and memory care homes in Oregon have seen coronavirus outbreaks weeks after residents and staff were offered shots. The Oregon Health Authority is collecting data on vaccination status among residents and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19. 

KANSAS: Responders’ Traumatic Stress Covered in New Bill

Kansas is one of a minority of states that doesn’t extend workers compensation for post-traumatic stress to first responders—it provides coverage for PTSD only if there is a corresponding physical injury. Advocates for first responders are now calling on the legislature to extend workers compensation in Kansas to cover PTSD suffered by first responders. A bill introduced in February would provide coverage to firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS providers. The bill currently sits in the House Commerce Committee.