Sen. Donnelly discusses new law to help law enforcement officers

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Senator Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., held a press conference Friday along with South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and local law enforcement leaders to discuss the Law Enforcement and Mental health and Wellness Act recently signed into law.

The press conference included Senator Donnelly, Mayor Buttigieg, South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Lt. Tim Williams of the Mishawaka Police Department, St. Joseph County Sheriff Michael Grzegorek and Indiana Fraternal Order of Police President Bill Owensby.

The new law will help law enforcement agencies establish or enhance mental health services for officers.

The bipartisan bill was introduced in April 2017  Senator Donnelly and Senator Todd Young.

It was signed into law last month.

"I hope it sends a message to every police officer that seeking help is a sign of strength not a sign of weakness," Donnelly said.