Community raises funds for Pulse first responder with PTSD who's losing job

People from across the world have raised more than $30,000 for a Pulse first responder with post-traumatic stress disorder who is being terminated by the Eatonville Police Department. 

Cpl. Omar Delgado was left with severe PTSD after being one of the first officers to respond to the mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse on June 12, 2016. The massacre left 49 people dead and more than 68 wounded, including survivor Angel Colón, whom Delgado dragged out of the club.

Eatonville officials wouldn't comment on the reason why Delgado is losing his job by Dec. 31, but Delgado says it's because his doctor determined his PTSD, depression and anxiety made him unfit for duty – he's been on light desk duty for months after the incident. The officer says he understands why he's being let go, but he can't explain why the small town terminated him six months before he would qualify to vest in the city's pension system and receive 64 percent of his $38,500 salary with benefits for life. Under the current circumstances, he'll only get 42 percent of his salary starting in 10 years when he turns 55.

A GoFundMe started by Kelly Anderson Kutcher, of Lake Mary, has raised $31,833 for Delgado since the news regarding his termination went viral. The funds will help with Delgado's medical bills as he recovers from PTSD and his salary for the next year.

"I wish I knew exactly how much money Omar and his family will need but do not have the ability to come up with that amount," Kutcher wrote on the GoFundMe page. Organizers are asking people to raise $74,000 for Delgado. "Every dollar that is raised has and continues to go directly to Omar Delgado for him to use as needed."