We’ve lost one hundred officers to suicide this year. It’s June 25.
Are we sensationalizing it? No, just telling you what we know; raising awareness and making people pay attention. Why? If not us, then who? Since January 1, 2016 we began collecting the data and the stories. We’ve listened to the families, supported them and we’ve tried to prevent more from happening. Are the suicides on the rise? We don’t know. We know they are reported to us more frequently; we receive messages from officers on the scene, notes from families within days and we hear Chiefs cry while they ask what they should be doing.
We feel like you need to know that it’s happening. We know officers aren’t the only ones taking their lives, we know there are reasons other than the job. We also know that the culture is unique and that there is an urban legend that the line blue line takes care of its own. So, let’s do that. Let’s keep making progress. Let’s look at the officers we’ve lost and take care of their families. Let’s look at those who are suffering and take care of them before it’s too late.
In the meantime, here’s a snapshot of who we know we’ve lost this year. They look like you.
Who were they?
Fourteen retired. Four on medical leave. One fired for alcohol abuse. Two on administrative leave. Eighty-nine active officers reporting for duty each day.
Three Captains, six Lieutenants, nine Sergeants and two Chiefs.
At least eight on duty at the time.
Twenty military veterans.
At least fourteen of them sought help.
Eight females.
Nine corrections officers.
At least 138 children now without a parent.
What did their families say?
His wife encouraged him to go to counseling, but he refused.
A devoted father to his children, a loving husband to his high school sweetheart and known to his coworkers for his inspirational quotes.
Our 9-year-old son found him
He had a heart of gold.
He struggled with PTSD and alcohol.
His solitude increased over his years in the department and worsened with retirement.
He was the first one to jump at the chance to help rookies and share his vast knowledge.
She was struggling will pills after being injured on the job.
We just don’t understand how someone so successful and had so many friends could be in so much pain.
He was set to retire. No one really knows what was going on with him as he seemed to have life in order for retirement.
He was a devoted public servant.
He was my best friend and brother. His death shocked us all.
What can you do?
Watch your 12. You’ve got your twelve. So do your friends, co-workers and family. Watch your head and heart. Look at yourself in the mirror and be honest with your emotions. Ask for help when you need it. Believe that things will get better.
Share what you know – https://bluehelp.org/submit-an-officer
Visit one of the following websites and learn everything you can about suicide.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org/
National Alliance of Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/find-support/law-enforcement-officers
American Association of Suicidology https://www.suicidology.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The IACP https://www.theiacp.org/resources/document/law-enforcement-suicide-prevention-and-awareness
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention https://theactionalliance.org/
In Harm’s Way http://policesuicide.spcollege.edu/