In just six weeks, four current and former deputies of the Harris County Sheriffโs Office (HCSO) have taken their own lives, intensifying concerns over mental health support for law enforcement officers.
A 2023ย reportย from the U.S. Fire Administration revealed that between 2015 and 2017, first responders accounted for 1% of all suicides in the U.S., with 58% of those being law enforcement officers (LEOs). A more recent 2024 reportย obtainedย by ABC News documented 1,287 LEO and correctional officer suicides between 2016 and 2022.
More than half (51%) of these suicides involved officers from local police departments, while 20% came from sheriffโs offices. Now, in just over a month, four more officers have tragically joined these statistics.
Hereโs what we know about their deaths and how HCSO is responding with mental health resources for its officers.
HCSO Deputy Christina Kohler Found Dead After Being Reported Missing
On March 13, authorities issued a Houston Regional CLEAR Alert for 37-year-old HCSO deputy Christina Kohler, who had last been seen on March 12. Officials stated at the time that Kohler posed a โcredible threat to her own health and safety.โ
Shortly after, it was confirmed that Kohler had died the same day she was reported missing. In a statement, Constable Mark Herman honored her memory, writing, โHer name, her life, absolutely deserves to be remembered for her commitment to our profession.โ
Kohler had served with the HCSO since 2018 and was most recently assigned as a bailiff in the 182nd District Court, according toย The Houston Chronicle.
Former HCSO Deputy Maria Vasquez Dies by Suicide
Just days after Kohlerโs death, the Medical Examinerโs Office confirmed that former HCSO Deputy Maria Vasquez had also died by suicide.
Vasquez, 42, had left the department in December 2024. She was found at her home on Almeda Genoa Road in Houston.
HCSOโs Community Engagement Division honored both Vasquez and Kohler in a Facebook post, writing: โHeaven 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.โ
Two Additional Former Deputies Die by Suicide
Alongside Kohler and Vasquez, two more former HCSO deputies have died under similar circumstances.
According toย ABC 13 Eyewitness News, ex-HCSO deputy William Bozeman also took his own life in recent weeks.
Additionally, on February 26, the medical examiner confirmed that 58-year-old former deputy Long Nguyen had also died by suicide.
Experts Urge First Responders to Seek Mental Health Support
Dr. Ron Acierno, director of the Trauma and Resilience Center at UTHealth Houston, emphasized the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health treatment for law enforcement officersโboth active and retired.
โMuch like the veteran community and active-duty military, thereโs a belief that you should โtough it out.โ Some officers donโt realize help is available, while others believe it wonโt work,โ Acierno toldย Click2Houston.
His center provides mental health support specifically for first responders, using action-based treatments to help them cope.
Dr. Thomas McNeese, director of HCSOโs Behavioral Health Division, also acknowledged the emotional burden of the job.
โThis profession takes a toll on people. Over time, it changes them,โ McNeese said, stressing the importance of seeking help. โReaching out, getting support, and not staying stuck is really important.โ
How HCSO Is Addressing Mental Health in the Wake of These Losses
In response to these tragedies, HCSOโthe largest sheriffโs office in Texasโis offering mental health and peer support services to its deputies.
โThe Sheriffโs Office is grateful for the communityโs prayers and support, and we offer our deepest sympathies to Deputy Kohlerโs family,โ a spokesperson stated.
HCSO Constable Sherman Eagleton also issued a heartfelt plea to struggling first responders: โYou are needed, and you matter, even when you feel your lowest. To our brothers and sisters in blueโtake care of each other. Donโt carry the burden alone. Your family is here for you.โ
Meanwhile, Harris County Deputies Organization President Jose Lopez acknowledged the urgency of the situation, noting that the department is actively discussing ways to improve mental health resources.
McNeese admitted that recent events have placed a significant strain on the department, saying, โSomething like this has ripple effects you donโt realize for years.โ He also acknowledged that HCSOโs Behavioral Health Division is currently too small to meet the growing demand for support.
However, he remains hopeful that their presence within the department can help break the stigma around mental health care. โThe hope is to destigmatize it by having us around. Officers need to know we arenโt here to take away their badgeโweโre their advocates.โ
The Road Ahead: Addressing Mental Health in Law Enforcement
The deaths of these four deputies have cast a spotlight on the urgent need for improved mental health resources for first responders. As discussions continue within HCSO and beyond, experts emphasize that law enforcement officers must be encouraged to seek help without fear of judgment or repercussions.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call theย National Suicide Prevention Lifelineย at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
