Blue Sheepdog

I recently had to deliver a death notification to the mother of a police officer. Her son, an officer with an out-of-state department, had committed suicide.

The mother was devastated. The officer’s wife and daughter were distraught beyond description.

If the job has become too much, if you are having marital problems, if you drink too much, or you have so much debt you think you will never get your head above water, you are not alone. Ask for help. Your partner, sergeant, the chaplain, and your human resources people can all help you find someone to talk to, someone who can help you.

There is no shame in asking for help. Police work is a crappy job. We deal with the debris that the ugliest aspects of humanity produces. We wade into crime, filth, and evil on a daily basis and try to do the right thing. It is a hard job and it takes its toll on us. Some sort of psychological debriefing should be required for all officers to attend on a regular basis, but for now, you have to ask for the help. It may seem like a hard thing to do, but it is the most important thing you could possibly do in your life.

Stay safe!