Photo: Harris County Sheriff's Department
Four deputies who served the Harris County Sheriff's Department in Houston, Texas, have all died by suicide since February, which includes three within a one-week span, authorities confirmed to ABC 13.
Retired Deputy Long Nguyen, 58, was reported to have died on February 6. Deputy Christina Kohler, 37, was found dead on March 13, more than one week after being declared missing.
Deputy Maria Vasquez, 42, who retired from the Harris County Sheriff's Office in December, was found dead from what was ruled by the Houston Medical Examiner as self-inflicted. Retired Deputy William Bozeman, who served the department for 24 years, was reported to have died on March 19.
Harris County Deputies' Organization FOP #39 president Jose Lopez said the string of deaths "caught a lot of us by surprise" while speaking to ABC 13.
"One is too many. Two? Three? Yes, it's definitely devastating," Lopez said, acknowledging that there were growing concerns within the Harris County Sheriff's Department.
"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," Lopez added.
Law enforcement officers and first responders are reported to experience a significantly high rate of suicide as they meet the demand of intense pressures and traumatic situations.
"It's a combination of what they see on the job and what the job entails," said Dr. Thomas McNeese, the director of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Behavioral Health Division, who is providing mental health resources to employees, via ABC 13.
"Reaching out. Getting some help. Doing something to be able to not stay stuck is really important," he added.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.