First responders will have access to more services if they're diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The Kenney Government has committed to $1.5 million per year for three years to improve services for first responders who are diagnosed with PTSD.

This funding will kick in starting in 2020-21.

Cochrane Fire Inspector Jeff Avery says he's glad to see that funding and information about PTSD is coming to the forefront.

Avery says "they know now it's a very real issue and I've had some very close friends go through Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and it affects the family, it affects the fire hall, it affects that person and it is a very real thing and the more money they put into this the better because it is happening more and more."

Avery says Cochrane Fire Services responds to approximately 1000 calls per year. 

He says "we have people who have been in the service for 20-25 years. You go to a bad call, you have to come to fire hall and start working again and get ready for the next call and over time it does build."

As part of the budget, there is $1.5 million per year for the Heroes Fund for three years which provides a one-time tax-free $100,000 payment to families who lose a first responder while they are performing their duties.

That was announced as part of the Alberta budget released earlier this month.