Texas police department has been left stunned after four deputies die by suicide in the space of six weeks.
Deputy Christina Kohler was sadly found dead on March 13 aged 37 only a day after she was reported missing. A medical examiner later ruled her death a suicide.
Only three days after her death, ormer Harris County officer Maria Vasquez ended her life, only a few months after retiring.
At the start of last week, former deputy William Bozeman was found dead.
On February 6, ex-sheriff deputy Long Nguyen died at the age of 58, in a similar way.
President of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization FOP #39, Jose Lopez told KTRK-TV: “It caught a lot of us by surprise.
“One is too many. Two? Three? Yes, it’s definitely devastating.”
“It hits very close to home and it’s a reminder to us how fragile life is and it’s also a reminder we do need to look out for each other. We do need to take care of each other,” he said.
Those working in law enforcement are 54% more likely to die by suicide, according to the president of Houston Police Officers’ Union, Douglas Griffiths.
The director of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Behavioral Health Division, Dr Thomas McNeese explained: “[This] profession, unfortunately, takes a toll on people. And, over time, the longer you’re in it, the more of a toll it takes, and it changes people,”
“The average citizen I think in a lifetime may be exposed to two — I think is the statistic — critical incidents, whereas one of our officers might be exposed to that on a shift.”
Our thoughts are with their loved ones, RIP.
You are not alone:
For immediate mental health crisis support in the US, you can call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line.
