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Sole survivor of Yarnell Hill fire applying for benefits

Brendan McDonough said he is suffering from PTSD stemming from the June 2013 loss of 19 fellow firefighters

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The Associated Press

PRESCOTT, Ariz. — The only member of an Arizona firefighting crew to survive a deadly 2013 wildfire has applied for disability retirement benefits from the city of Prescott.

The Daily Courier reported Saturday that the Prescott Fire Board of the state’s public safety retirement system discussed Brendan McDonough’s application for the past week.

The board says McDonough must first file a claim to enroll in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.

McDonough was a seasonal employee and enrolled by Prescott in the Arizona State Retirement System.

Jared Smout, administrator of the public safety retirement system, says McDonough would have to petition to become a member and show he meets the requirements.

McDonough says he suffers PTSD stemming from the June 2013 loss of 19 fellow firefighters, who were overtaken by flames.

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