An off-duty officer with the New York Police Department reportedly died by apparent suicide over the weekend, marking the seventh such death for the agency so far this year.
The Sergeant's Benevolent Association posted on Twitter, "Once again terrible news. Tonight the NYPD lost a sergeant to suicide. We ask that everyone pray for his family, friends and Co-workers. The NYPD continues to go through a difficult time. We know you won’t call the Dept. if you need help please call the SBA please!"
The Police Benevolent Association posted on Twitter, "Praying for all who knew and cared for our brother. We cannot say it enough: if you are struggling, just make the call. Reach out and get help. Your health and your family are more important than anything else."
The name of the officer has not been released.
Editor's Note: If you or someone you know has ideation of suicide or is approaching crisis, please know that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), 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.
On a website maintained by BlueH.E.L.P.—an organization that tracks officer suicides while simultaneously seeking to prevent such tragedies from occurring—a first responder need only enter a few data points—such as their location and what kind of assistance is needed—and the individual will be provided with a list of options for help from a searchable database dedicated to helping first responders find emotional, financial, spiritual, and other forms of assistance.
