The Texas Police Department is shocked after four deputies died in suicide within six weeks.
The death of Deputy Christina Kohler was announced last week by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). The 37-year-old law enforcement officer joined the military in 2018 and served in the courts department.
Kohler was reported missing two weeks ago, and her body was found on March 13, officials said. Three former deputies also died of suicide within the past six weeks.
Chairman of Harris County Deputy Agency Jose Lopez said he and his fellow officers are currently handling the situation. “To my surprise, they caught a lot of us,” Lopez said, reporting the mirror. “One is too many. Two? Three? Yes, that’s definitely devastating.”
Douglas Griffith, union president of Houston Police Officers, told the outlet the risk of suicide is 54% higher for law enforcement people.
In a post confirming Kohler’s death, HCSO reiterated that mental health support is available to colleagues.
HSCO Deputy Maria Vazquez took her own life earlier this month. She is the fourth lieutenant to die of suicide within six weeks (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Three days after Kohler was discovered, it was announced that former Harris County Deputy Director Maria Vazquez, who left the department in December, also died of suicide.
Last week, another former deputy lieutenant, William Boseman, was found dead under similar circumstances. Medical inspectors say former deputy Long Nuguen, 58, also took his own life on February 6th.
“It hits close to home and it reminds us how vulnerable our lives are, and it also reminds us that we need to be careful of each other. We need to take care of each other,” Lopez said.
Dr. Thomas McNeese, director of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s Behavior Health Department, told Khou 11 that the past few weeks have been “difficult for staff and the overall sheriff’s office.”
This “unfortunately, the profession hits people. And over time, the longer you get into it, the more it hits and it changes people,” he said.
“The average citizen I think is exposed to two in my lifetime is a statistical incident, but one of our officers could be exposed to it on a shift.
McNee added that he hopes that multiple losses within such a short period will cause damage to the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health and suicide.
“It’s not okay, but it’s not okay not to do anything about it. I don’t want to stay stuck there,” McNee said.
If you are experiencing feelings of pain or are struggling to deal with it, you can speak with the Samaritan with confidence on 116 123 (UK and ROI).
If you are based in the US and you or someone you know currently need mental health assistance, please call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-Talk (8255). This is a free, highly confidential crisis hotline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are in another country, you can visit www.befrienders.org to find a helpline nearby.
