First Responder Liaison Lands in Lubbock

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 | 0

The Office of Injured Employee Counsel’s new first responder liaison has been stationed in Lubbock, the home of the state representative who sponsored legislation establishing the position.

Rep. Dustin Burrows

Yolanda Garcia, an OIEC ombudsman for 11 years, now assists fire, police and emergency workers with their workers’ compensation claims.

Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, filed House Bill 2082 on Feb. 17 after working with Mary Duncan, president of the West Texas Crime Victim’s Coalition, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported.

“We made history,” Duncan told the newspaper. “That liaison is going to be based here in Lubbock. I mean, how much more could we have asked for? Not only did we get the House bill passed, but we’re able to have a liaison right here in Lubbock.”

The OIEC could not be reached for comment.

Burrows’ bill did not specify where the first responder liaison would be headquartered. The Senate passed the bill 31-0 on May 24 after the House passed it 133-7 on May 9. Gov. Greg Abbott signed it on June 9, and it became effective Sept. 1.

Garcia told the newspaper she already is helping first responders with 13 workers’ compensation claims.

The office is at 22 Briercroft Office Park, Suite A. The main phone number is 866-393-6432.