The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of four deputies to suicide in under two months. The latest tragedy occurred last week when 37-year-old deputy Christina Kohler was found dead a day after being reported missing. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide.

Just three days later, former deputy Maria Vasquez, who had retired in December, also took her own life. This followed the suicides of former deputies William Bozeman last week and Long Nguyen, 58, on February 6.
Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, expressed his shock, telling KTRK-TV: “One is too many. Two? Three? Yes, it’s definitely devastating.” He added, “It hits very close to home and it’s a reminder to us how fragile life is.”

Law enforcement officers face a 54% higher risk of suicide, according to Houston Police Officers’ Union President Douglas Griffiths. Dr. Thomas McNeese from the Sheriff’s Office Behavioral Health Division explained, “[This] profession, unfortunately, takes a toll on people. The longer you’re in it, the more of a toll it takes, and it changes people.”