Crime & Safety
Off-Duty Chicago Officer Takes Own Life: Police
After three officers took their own lives in July, Chicago Police announced another death Thursday afternoon.
CHICAGO, IL — Chicago police announced the death of an off-duty officer who apparently took their own life.
"We ask that the people of Chicago pray for this officer’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers as they mourn this devastating loss," police said in a statement posted to social media.
The loss is the latest for the Chicago police department, which has faced a string of officer suicides in recent years.
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Chicago police have not released the name of the officer who died Thursday.
The death comes a week after city council committee members held a hearing to address first responders' mental health, WGN reported.
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Three Chicago police officers took their own lives in July.
On Tuesday, ABC Chicago reported on a Chicago-area program aimed at preventing suicides among police and other first responders. In 2019, former Des Plaines Police Chief Bill Kushner, who also served on the Chicago Police Department, founded WeNeverWalkAlone to provide resources and professionals to officers who are struggling with their mental health.
Anyone who is struggling can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by texting HOME to 741741.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
