Go Fund Me-Bill Rusk
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Bill Rusk is presently in his 29th year of policing. He has served with the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force, as well as the Owen Sound Police Service, where he currently holds the rank of Sergeant. Since 1990, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been a large part of Bill’s life and has participated in lobbying efforts for the introduction of “Presumptive Legislation” for all first responders in Ontario.
In 1990, while involved in a criminal drug investigation, Bill was victim of gunshot wounds to the face, neck, shoulder, back and right hand that has left him with life long alterations to his physical and mental well-being. In less than 5 months time, Bill had returned to work as a front-line police officer determined to continue with the profession that he loves. However, in 1993, Bill was diagnosed with severe-chronic PTSD while receiving little to no assistance in his journey back into the policing environment.
Bill has spent many years in various police association executive roles and took on the additional role as President of the Owen Sound Police Association in 2005. Between 2008-2014, Bill served as a Director on the Police Association of Ontario (PAO) where he represented police personnel across the province.
He has obtained in this time a B.A. from York University, followed by numerous other diplomas and courses. Bill has been recognized as “Police Officer of the Year” by two separate police agencies, has received a 20 year Police Exemplary Service Medal, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for commitment and service to policing and the Dennis R. Latten Award for long-standing leadership and dedication in policing. Bill is currently assisting and devoting his time to the Badge of Life organization which assists and supports other first responders dealing with PTSD.
Bill is the only modern day police officer in Canada who has been shot in the line of duty, with no suspect ever being arrested, charged or identified.
Over the past couple of months, Bill has had a recurrence from his original shooting incident involving both physical issues and PTSD symptoms. This has led to a new journey with WSIB in an attempt to have his workplace injuries recognized for medical treatment. His claim has been denied twice over the past 10 months and shuffled from WSIB office to WSIB office, even though in 1993 he was diagnosed with PTSD by WSIB appointed medical professionals.
Finally his claim was accepted, however, he earns only a percentage of his 1990 salary. As a result, his family is now in financial crisis. His home is listed for sale and he has no immediate recourse for relief. Any salary considerations are made from 1990 earnings due to legislative constraints, even though it is now 2015. His in in financial ruin and is forced to appeal the WSIB claim again. Bill is seeking assistance for his medical bills and support for his family.
In 1990, while involved in a criminal drug investigation, Bill was victim of gunshot wounds to the face, neck, shoulder, back and right hand that has left him with life long alterations to his physical and mental well-being. In less than 5 months time, Bill had returned to work as a front-line police officer determined to continue with the profession that he loves. However, in 1993, Bill was diagnosed with severe-chronic PTSD while receiving little to no assistance in his journey back into the policing environment.
Bill has spent many years in various police association executive roles and took on the additional role as President of the Owen Sound Police Association in 2005. Between 2008-2014, Bill served as a Director on the Police Association of Ontario (PAO) where he represented police personnel across the province.
He has obtained in this time a B.A. from York University, followed by numerous other diplomas and courses. Bill has been recognized as “Police Officer of the Year” by two separate police agencies, has received a 20 year Police Exemplary Service Medal, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for commitment and service to policing and the Dennis R. Latten Award for long-standing leadership and dedication in policing. Bill is currently assisting and devoting his time to the Badge of Life organization which assists and supports other first responders dealing with PTSD.
Bill is the only modern day police officer in Canada who has been shot in the line of duty, with no suspect ever being arrested, charged or identified.
Over the past couple of months, Bill has had a recurrence from his original shooting incident involving both physical issues and PTSD symptoms. This has led to a new journey with WSIB in an attempt to have his workplace injuries recognized for medical treatment. His claim has been denied twice over the past 10 months and shuffled from WSIB office to WSIB office, even though in 1993 he was diagnosed with PTSD by WSIB appointed medical professionals.
Finally his claim was accepted, however, he earns only a percentage of his 1990 salary. As a result, his family is now in financial crisis. His home is listed for sale and he has no immediate recourse for relief. Any salary considerations are made from 1990 earnings due to legislative constraints, even though it is now 2015. His in in financial ruin and is forced to appeal the WSIB claim again. Bill is seeking assistance for his medical bills and support for his family.
Organizer
Owen Sound Police Association
Organizer
Mississauga, ON