The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in Texas is grappling with an unimaginable loss after four of its deputies died by suicide within just six weeks.
The most recent death, that of Deputy Christina Kohler, 37, was announced last week. Kohler, who had joined the force in 2018, was reported missing two weeks prior and her body was found on March 13.
This tragic incident follows the suicides of three former deputies in a span of just six weeks, leaving the department and the Houston community in shock.
Maria Vasquez, a former deputy who left the force in December 2024, was found dead just three days after Kohler’s body was discovered.
Similarly, former deputies William Bozeman and Long Nguyen also died under similar circumstances, with Nguyen’s death confirmed in early February.
Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies Organization, expressed disbelief and sorrow over the series of suicides.
“It caught a lot of us by surprise,” Lopez said. “One is too many. Two? Three? Yes, it’s definitely devastating.”
Douglas Griffith, president of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, highlighted the alarming fact that suicide risks for law enforcement officers are 54% higher than the general population.
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The department has stressed the availability of mental health support for officers dealing with the emotional toll of the job.
Dr. Thomas McNeese, director of the HCSO Behavioral Health Division, acknowledged the immense strain the profession can place on officers.
He emphasized that law enforcement officers often face critical incidents far more frequently than the average citizen. “This profession, unfortunately, takes a toll on people,” McNeese said.
He also hoped that these tragic events would help break the stigma around mental health and suicide within law enforcement, encouraging officers to seek help when needed.
The series of tragedies has sparked a much-needed conversation on the importance of mental health support for first responders, with many within the department and the community urging a stronger focus on well-being in high-stress professions.
