What we know after four deputies from Texas police department die by taking their own lives in six weeks
A 2023 study by the US Fire Administration revealed that between 2015 and 2017, first responders accounted for one percent of all suicides in the US, with 58 percent being law enforcement officers (LEOs). A document secured by ABC News in 2024 indicated that 1,287 LEOs and correction officers had ended their lives between 2016 and 2022. Local police departments accounted for over half (51 percent) of officer suicides, while sheriff's offices represented 20 percent.
In the past month, four more LEOs have joined these tragic statistics. Below are the details about their deaths and how the Houston-based HSCO is providing mental health support to remaining officers.
On March 13, officials issued a Houston Regional CLEAR Alert for 37-year-old HSCO veteran Christina Kohler. The officer, who began working at the office in 2018, was last seen on March 12, according to the Texas Center for the Missing. Officers stated Kohler posed a "credible threat to her own health and safety" at that time.
Officials later announced the law enforcement officer had died the same day she was reported missing. Constable Mark Herman wrote: "Her name, her life, absolutely deserves to be remembered for her commitment to our profession."
Kohler most recently served in the courts division as a bailiff in the 182nd District Court, according to The Houston Chronicle.
Three days after Kohler's death, the Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that HCSO Deputy Maria Vasquez, who departed the department in December 2024, had also taken her own life on March 16. The 42-year-old died at her home located in the 8600 block of Almeda Genoa Road, Houston.
The HSCO Community Engagement Division honored both Kohler and Vasquez in a Facebook post, writing: "Heaven has gained two beautiful angels. May their memory be a blessing, inspiring strength and comfort to their friends, family and coworkers during this challenging time."
The deaths of Kohler and Vasquez are not the only tragedies affecting the HSCO. William Bozeman, a 61-year-old former deputy, was also found in similar circumstances on March 19, as reported by ABC 13 Eyewitness News.
On February 6, reports indicated that former HSCO deputy Long Nguyen, 58, had also died by suicide, according to the medical examiner.
Dr. Ron Acierno, Director of the Trauma and Resilience Center at UTHealth Houston, states that the stigma surrounding officers seeking mental health treatment during employment and after retirement needs to be reduced.
"Similar to the veteran and active-duty community, the concept is to endure hardship silently. Or perhaps they were unaware help existed, or doubted its effectiveness," he explained to Click 2 Houston.
He noted that the Trauma and Resilience Center provides mental health assistance to Texan first responders.
"We have successful treatments available. These aren't pleasant or easy. They focus on action... The goal is to modify your behavior to improve your emotional state."
Dr. Thomas McNeese, director of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Behavioral Health Division, acknowledges the job's substantial emotional impact. He stated that the profession "affects people deeply" and can "alter" a person over time.
"Asking for assistance. Getting support. Taking steps to avoid remaining stuck is essential," he added.
Following the deaths of its four past and current officers, the HSCO - Texas's largest sheriff's department - is offering "mental health and peer support services to Deputy Kohler's coworkers as they mourn her tragic passing."
"The Sheriff's Office appreciates the community's prayers and support, and extends our sincere condolences to Deputy Kohler's family," they further stated.
HCSO Constable Sherman Eagleton has requested that any "distressed" first responders "connect with someone."
"You are valuable and important, even during your darkest moments," he posted on Facebook. "Our law enforcement family, look after each other. Don't face challenges alone, your family stands ready to support you."
Harris County Deputies Organization President Jose Lopez confirmed that he and his colleagues currently recognize the gravity of the situation.
McNeese indicated the recent suicides have strained the entire office, prompting discussions about enhancing the agency's behavioral health division.
"Events like these create impacts you won't fully understand for years," he remarked, adding his belief that the division is "understaffed."
Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the service can help "normalize" mental health discussions.
