Jacksonville Police hearing on PTSD and a Police Sgt.

Surratt disability hearing goes into the night

Former JPD Sgt. Kelly Surratt and his wife testify for nearly four hours Tuesday.
June 17, 2008 - 6:19PM
BY MARIA NAGLE
Journal-Courier
Former Jacksonville Police Sgt. Kelly Surratt and his wife, Jeannie, spent four hours Tuesday testifying that a 1999 shooting incident involving the officer led him to abuse alcohol and depression.

Mr. Surratt resigned from the police force in November amidst allegations he was twice under the influence of alcohol on duty. He is requesting disability pay based on his claim that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder arising from his job as a police officer.

Based on the evidence presented at the disability hearing, the five members Jacksonville Police Pension Board will decide whether to grant or deny Mr. Surratt’s request for disability pay.

Prior to recessing at 5:20 p.m. for a dinner break, the Surratts testified that following the shooting incident, Mr. Surratt turned to alcohol to help him sleep, because prescription medication was not helping him do so. The couple claimed that, after the shooting, Mr. Surratt began experiencing and continues to have nightmares and panic attacks.
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