A Texas official is speaking out about the deaths of four current and former deputies. Long Nguyen, Maria Vasquez, William Bozeman and Christina Kohler died by suicide within six weeks of each other.
Thomas D. McNeese, director of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s (HSCO) Behavioral Health Division, said in a statement to PEOPLE on Friday, March 28, that the losses have “been 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,” he continued.
The Behavioral Health Division “offers an array of embedded specialized services tailored to the unique needs of HCSO employees,” McNeese wrote. “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.”
“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 statement concluded.
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