(Video) Police Death by Suicide: Widow of a Police Officer Speaks Out

Melissa Swailes' husband Officer David Swailes died by suicide in February 2016. In this video she discusses what she talks about when she teaches police officers and agencies about suicide awareness.

March 8, 2019

Melissa Swailes—whose husband, Officer David Swailes of the LAPD, died by suicide in February 2016—discusses with POLICE Contributing Web Editor Doug Wyllie what she talks about when she teaches police officers and agencies about suicide awareness. She shares some of the warning signs to look out for, as well as information about the organization—BlueH.E.L.P.—Swailes and Wyllie are both affiliated with that works to prevent police officer suicide. See more about Melissa's story in (Video) Police Suicide: Widow of Officer Discusses Day of His Death.

Editor's Note: Any first responder approaching crisis is urged to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), which provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.

Safe Call Now (1-206-459-3020) offers those services specifically for first responders.

Editorial

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