Deputy Chief Steven Silks of the NYPD died by suicide weeks before his mandatory retirement.Photo: NYPD
An NYPD chief fatally shot himself in the head while sitting in an unmarked patrol car on Wednesday, just weeks before his scheduled mandatory retirement, reports the New York Post.
Deputy Chief Steven Silks turned in his retirement papers on Tuesday, with his last day on the force scheduled for July 9. All NYPD officers must retire at age 63.
Silks, 62, worked the streets of New York for 38 years, rising through the ranks and becoming the executive officer of Queens North. "Stevie," as he was known, loved New York City and his job, according to friend and PIX11 reporter Kirstin Cole.
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.
