A news conference was held Thursday to encourage the governor to sign the bill into law.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — There’s a push in Albany to allow New York State Troopers to have paid time off after certain critical incidents involving use-of-force. 

Advocates gathered in Buffalo on Thursday morning encouraging the governor to sign the bill into law. 

This bill has bipartisan support, and on Thursday morning, its sponsor and a state trooper involved in a deadly shooting in Buffalo talked about what these policy changes would mean for law enforcement officers living with PTSD. 

RELATED: 2 men face gun charges after incident near Jefferson Avenue Tops

On Feb. 12, 2022, New York State Trooper Anthony Nigro shot and killed James Huber, a Pennsylvania man who led police on a high-speed chase before ending up in downtown Buffalo. 

“It hasn’t been easy. Even coming here today from my residence to this location, I traced the same steps of the event on that day. So, it’s re-lived every single day I go to work and travel in the community,” Nigro said. 
 
Trooper Nigro told a judge he felt his life was in danger when Huber wouldn’t get out of the car and threw it into reverse. A judge found Trooper Nigro not guilty of manslaughter last year. 

The critical incident has had a lasting impact. 

“I’m still going through the process myself. So are the brothers and sisters who wear the uniform who responded to the Tops shooting that left 10 innocent people dead and ripped an unimaginable hole in the fabric of the community. Mental health isn’t a luxury, and it isn’t a weakness. It is as essential as our vests, radios, and body cameras,” Nigro said.

A bill on the governor’s desk would allow state troopers directly involved in critical incidents where someone is seriously hurt or killed to take up to twenty days off with pay.

Troopers indirectly involved would be allowed up to 15 days off with pay. 

“We’re not just caring for them and their mental health. We’re caring for their families, and we’re caring for our whole community that is affected when police officers aren’t in a stable and healthy position,” Assemblymember Patrick Burke said. 
 
Right now, troopers can ask for up to 72 hours of leave, but it isn’t guaranteed. The president of the New York State Troopers PBA says this would be a first in the nation policy allowing troopers time off without financial hardship or stigma, which he says is important because PTSD rates among police officers are double that of the general public. 

“It sends a clear message to our Troopers. Your well-being is a priority. Your mental health is not an afterthought, and when the job takes a toll, you won’t be left to face it alone,” said Charles W. Murphy, President of the New York State Troopers PBA. 

A spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul told 2 On Your Side on Thursday afternoon that she will review the legislation.