A series of tragic events in Texas has resulted in the loss of four former and current sheriff deputies to suicide, deeply affecting the community.
Over a period of six weeks, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which serves the Houston area, faced significant sorrow with the deaths of these individuals. The first was retired deputy Long Nguyen, aged 58, who passed away on February 6.
On March 13, Christina Kohler, a 37-year-old active deputy, was found deceased, followed by 42-year-old former officer Maria Vasquez on March 16. The final loss was 61-year-old William Bozeman, whose death occurred on March 19.
The director of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Behavioral Health Division, Dr. Thomas McNeese, has addressed the situation publicly, describing the impact as ‘deeply felt throughout our entire department’.
“These tragedies serve as a somber reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being for our staff,” he stated in a message to People.
“[The Behavioral Health Division] offers a variety of specialized services that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of HCSO employees.
READ MORE: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE FOUR SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES WHO DIED BY SUICIDE IN SIX WEEKS
“From crisis intervention training to wellness programs and peer support initiatives, we strive to ensure our personnel have the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively and safely.”
McNeese added: “Recent events underscore the need to continue strengthening and reinforcing our agency’s ongoing efforts to support our team’s mental health and resilience.
“We believe that consistency, trust, and tailored resources are key in cultivating a culture that truly values the well-being of our law enforcement family.”
A report from 2023 by the US Fire Administration highlighted that between 2015 and 2017, first responders accounted for one percent of all suicides in the US, with 58 percent of these being law enforcement officers (LEOs).
Additionally, a 2024 document shared by ABC News indicated that 1,287 LEOs and correction officers had died by suicide between 2016 and 2022.
Over half (51 percent) of the officer suicides involved those from local police departments, with 20 percent from sheriff’s offices.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline accessible to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.