Off-duty OPD officer working at Pulse on night of attack receives pension after lengthy process

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By Shannon Butler and Adam Poulisse

ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s been more than five years since 49 people were shot and killed inside Pulse nightclub, and many of the officers who responded that night are still dealing with what happened.

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Firefighters and police officers both suffered from PTSD, but one who may have suffered the most is the officer who was working security at Pulse the night of the shooting.

Adam Gruler was the Orlando police officer working off-duty at the Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016.

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It was that night a terrorist walked into the club and committed one of the biggest massacres in U.S. history.

Gruler exchanged gunfire with the shooter, but retreated and called for backup when he realized he was outgunned. The terrorist was able to get inside the nightclub, killing 49 people and injuring dozens of others.

Gruler was hailed as a hero by some, but he was also named in a lawsuit by the survivors who said he and other officers didn’t do enough.

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Photos: Vigil for family, friends of Orlando shootings 061316 ORLANDO: A group of friends who lost best friends Amanda Alvear and Mercedez Flores console each other at a vigil for family and friends that have lost loved ones, drawing thousands outside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Fla., Monday, June 13, 2016. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com (ccompton@ajc.com)

Photos: Vigil for family, friends of Orlando shootings 061316 ORLANDO: Friends of Amanda Alvear, who died in the shootings, hold up her photograph and a prayer chain during a vigil for family and friends that have lost loved ones drawing thousands in Orlando, Fla., Monday, June 13, 2016. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com (ccompton@ajc.com)

All of it is taking a toll on the 17-year veteran. Doctors have diagnosed him with PTSD, and said he is permanently disabled and can no longer be a police officer anymore.

Gruler has had some major struggles, but also some wins. He and his wife have adopted three children, adding to their already large family.

He waited a long time for his pension, but this week, it was granted.

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