A Texas sheriff’s office is mourning the loss of four current and former deputies in just six weeks, according to local officials.
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On March 19, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced on Facebook that a Harris County Sheriff’s Office retiree had died “from an apparent suicide,” which he wrote had marked “three for us within the span of a week.”
Since then, ABC affiliate KTRK and CBS affiliate KHOU have reported that four total deputies with the HCSO — both current and former — have died by suicide in recent weeks, with KTRK noting the deaths have taken place within six weeks.
“Our hearts are heavy. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, and friends,” Gonzalez wrote on social media. “It’s a painful reminder that life is fragile and time is not promised. May they Rest in Peace.”
Long Nguyen (left); Maria Vasquez; William Bozeman; Christina Kohler.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Facebook (4)
In a statement to PEOPLE on Friday, March 28, Thomas McNeese, director of the HCSO’s Behavioral Health Division, called the four deaths “deeply felt throughout our entire department.”
“These tragedies serve as a somber reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being for our staff,” McNeese wrote.
Harris County Sheriff’s vehicle (stock image).
Scott Halleran/Getty
According to KTRK, on March 20, Deputy Christina Kohler’s death was ruled a suicide by the county medical examiner after she was found on March 13. According to a release from the HCSO, Kohler was working in the courts division and had joined the HCSO in 2018. She was 37 years old.
Former HCSO Deputy Maria Vasquez also died by apparent suicide and William Bozeman was found dead under similar circumstances in recent weeks, per both KTRK and The Independent. Long Nguyen, another former deputy, reportedly died by suicide on Feb. 6, both outlets reported while citing the medical examiner.
The HCSO Community Engagement Division announced the deaths of both Vasquez and Kohler on Facebook on March 17, writing that “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. đ︔ the statement continued.
As KTRK reported, HCSO’s Behavioral Health Division was established in 2020 and offers peer-to-peer support for deputies. McNeese told KHOU that the division is the first of its kind and features that peer-support deputies who provide resources during critical incidents and beyond.
“From crisis intervention training to wellness programs and peer support initiatives, we strive to ensure our personnel have the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively and safely,” McNeese wrote in his statement to PEOPLE.
“Recent events underscore the need to continue strengthening and reinforcing our agency’s ongoing efforts to support our team’s mental health and resilience,” McNeese continued. “We believe that consistency, trust, and tailored resources are key in cultivating a culture that truly values the well-being of our law enforcement family.”
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina has since sent its own “heartfelt condolences” to the HCSO on Facebook following the “loss of four of their own from suicide,” while sharing images of the late deputies on Thursday, March 27, and reiterating that the four deaths took place within six weeks.
“Their names are Deputy Christina Kohler, Deputy Maria Vasquez, Deputy William Bozeman and Deputy Long Nguyen,” the MCSO wrote. “Hold their families in your hearts. In light of these tragic events, let’s remember – mental health matters. Let’s foster care, support, and dialogue around these issues. Reach out, get help, let’s remove the stigma. Officer wellness is crucial: it’s time for action, not silence. đđ”
Jose Lopez, the president of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization FOP #39, who said he personally knew two of the four deputies, told KTRK that the losses were “devastating,” and a “reminder to us how fragile life is and it’s also a reminder we do need to look out for each other.”
Speaking with KTRK, McNeese said that “this profession, unfortunately, takes a toll on people. And, over time, the longer you’re in it, the more of a toll it takes, and it changes people.”
McNeese also went on to share some advice for anyone struggling with their mental health following the recent losses to reach out for help. “It’s OK to not be OK but it’s not OK to not do something about it,” he told KHOU. “You don’t want to stay stuck there.”