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Suicide rates among first responders more than 20 percent higher than general public

285 views · Published 28 December 2018 · 2:01 · Indexed 28 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2018 · News & Politics

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CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The death of a Cincinnati police officer, who was found in Eden Park Thursday afternoon, is under investigation, but one cause of death being looked at is a possible suicide.

If his death is a suicide, it’s part of a rising number of first responders taking their own lives.

"The reason it's so shocking is because there's a ton of media coverage for 'in-the-line-of-duty' deaths and no media coverage for suicide. I think that's part of the solution is breaking the silence and shame that surrounds this issue so that those who are struggling don't feel alone and feel supported in seeking help," Miriam Heyman, the senior program officer at the Ruderman Family Foundation said.

The Ruderman Foundation studied suicides among first responders.

In 2017, there were at least 140 police officer suicides and a 103 firefighter suicides. In the line of duty, 129 police officers and 93 firefighters died.

"Bravery is part of the job, and putting other people before you put yourself is part of the job. So, I think there's a culture within these professions that prevents many from seeking the help they need," Heyman said.

Heyman says constant exposure to death and destruction can lead to depression and PTSD.

"We expect to see -- and we do see -- high rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance abuse," Heyman said.

One study found that, on average, police officers witness 188 "critical incidents" during their careers.

"Critical incidents are things like being involved in a shooting or being involved in a traffic accident or witnessing child abuse or domestic abuse," Heyman said.

Heyman said those incidents stick with the officers.

"The more of the traumatic incidents these officers are exposed to, the higher the likelihood they develop depression or PTSD," Heyman said.

Heyman said the stigma surrounding mental health keeps some officers from trying to get counseling or help for any issues they're dealing with.

"Mental health is actually a prerequisite to work in a police department. So, many officers fear if they speak up about their mental illness, they will lose their job and lose their gun, and they're often correct about that," Heyman said. "It's about providing support, making sure there are supports in place that police officers and firefighters can easily access.”

If you're thinking about suicide or worried about someone who might be, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a local crisis center. 

You can also text the Crisis Text Line by messaging 741741. Police officers can text the word BLUE.

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