In Sandy Hook Aftermath, Some of Newtown's Finest Suffer from PTSD

It's been more than three months since the tragic events of Dec. 14, but like the rest of the community, Newtown's first responders are still suffering from its effects. 

According to a report in the Danbury News Times, one officer in the Newtown Police Department has been unable to work since responding to Sandy Hook Elementary School. Four others are out on sick leave, two of whom are different than officers who were out a couple of weeks ago.

Still more officers are being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to the News Times. Michele Novella, a nurse who treats PTSD sufferers, told the News Times anything from the sound of a siren to seeing a lunch box to seeing blood can trigger first responders' memories of Dec. 14.

A bill recently signed by Gov. Dannel Malloy allows for these first responders to be paid 70 percent of their salaries up to 52 weeks, but some union members wonder if that is long enough, the News Times reports.

Novella said PTSD is treatable, and the sooner one who is afflicted by it seeks treatment, the quicker he or she will be able to manage it.