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By Sophie Clark
Live News Reporter
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Four current and former members of a Texas sheriff's office have died by suicide in the past six weeks.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) Community Engagement Division announced the deaths of Deputy Christina Kohler and retired Deputy Maria Vasquez on March 17, a few weeks following the deaths of former Deputy William Bozeman and former Deputy Long Nguyen. All four took their own lives.
"Our hearts are heavy," Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
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Newsweek has contacted the HCSO and the Houston Police Officers' Union via email for comment.
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Why It Matters
The suicides highlight the stressors that police face on the job, and whether they have access to effectual mental health services.
According to Dr. Thomas McNeese, director of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Behavioral Health Division, civilians are exposed to two "critical incidents" in their lifetime, while police officers can be exposed to one every shift.
What To Know
On March 13, Kohler was found dead after being reported missing for a week. Her death was ruled a suicide. Three days later, Vasquez, who left the department in December, was found dead. Earlier that same week, Bozeman was found dead. Nguyen died on February 6, according to medical examiners.
Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies' Organization FOP #39, told KTRK-TV in Houston: "It caught a lot of us by surprise."
A study published by Policing: An International Journal, found that police officers are 54 percent more likely to die by suicide than members of the general population.
According to the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA), 60 percent of officers who take their own lives were experiencing known life challenges, 34 percent of police officers struggle with depression, and 17 percent have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
What People Are Saying
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, on Facebook: "Today we learned of a Harris County Sheriff's Office retiree who died from an apparent suicide. This makes three for us within the span of a week. Our hearts are heavy. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, and friends. It's a painful reminder that life is fragile and time is not promised. May they Rest in Peace."
Jose Lopez told KTRK: "It hits very close to home and it's a reminder to us how fragile life is and it's also a reminder we do need to look out for each other. We do need to take care of each other."
Dr. Thomas McNeese told KTRK: "These last few weeks have been difficult for our staff and the sheriff's office as a whole. This profession, unfortunately, takes a toll on people. And, over time, the longer you're in it, the more of a toll it takes, and it changes people."
The Harris County Sheriff's Office Community Engagement Division, on Facebook: "Heaven has gained two beautiful angels – Deputy Christina Kohler and retired Deputy Maria Vasquez. May their memory be a blessing, inspiring strength and comfort to their friends, family and coworkers during this challenging time."
What Happens Next
Lopez said that the HCSO has ongoing mental health initiatives but is still grappling with how the deaths happened.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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