More than $1 million from a federal antiterror assistance program is going to first responders and survivors of the Pulse nightclub attack.
- $1 million federal grant to help Orange County after Pulse
- Grant is part of federal antiterror assistance program
- Most of money will go to help Pulse first responders
- RELATED: Ex-Orlando cop with PTSD after Pulse granted disability pension
Orange County Commissioners approved the $1.3 million on Tuesday, almost 14 months after the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
It is a part of a grant from the U.S. Justice Department’s Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program.
Most of it — $728,156 — is going to help first responders and survivors battling post-traumatic stress disorder through a program at the University of Central Florida.
Another $257,000 will go toward crisis intervention training, helping first responders debrief and get back to duty after a crisis such as Pulse.
“It’s not just that immediate impact. It’s all the emotional component that comes after that, that can go on for years, and having a resilient responder community is just important," Orange County Public Safety Director Dr. George Ralls said. "The day after Pulse happened, we had to get back out there and respond, so that’s part of what I’ll hope will happen with these funds.”
The grant also provides $290,000 to reimburse the county for expenses related to the Orlando United Assistance Center, which was set up to help survivors and victims' families.
In total, the grant provides Central Florida with $8 million to help with Pulse survivors and first responders. The city of Orlando received $1.6 million for its efforts.
Last month, a pension board granted permanent disability benefits to former Orlando Police officer Gerry Realin, who was diagnosed with PTSD after the Pulse shooting.