Behind The Badge: Families Of Police Officers Who Have Died By Suicide Talk About Their Loss

“Jon was a very happy person,” says Crystal of her husband. Jon was a Marine, a police officer, and a member of the SWAT team before taking his life in 2018.

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Brenda lost her husband, and her twin daughters, Ray and Nicole, lost their father, DeRod, a retired patrol officer, to suicide.

“Our father was dependable and caring,” says Ray.

WATCH: ‘Never Was I Prepared That My Husband Would Take His Own Life,’ Says Police Officer’s Widow

“My aunt loved her job as a police officer. She wanted to help someone every single day,” says Kimberly’s niece, Amanda. Kimberly was a detective, and on the force for 28 years before she took her life.

Continuing, Amanda says, “I believe our officers are afraid to speak up when they’re struggling because they are supposed to be the hero.”

Every day, police officers put their lives on the line to protect the public. And nearly every day, a police officer takes his or her own life. Hear more from the families of some of these officers in the video above, then check here to find out where you can watch Friday’s Dr. Phil.

If you or someone you know is talking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

To learn more about suicide among police officers and others who serve in the law enforcement community, what can be done to help prevent it, and how it specifically impacts the loved ones of law enforcement professionals who take their own lives, visit bluehelp.org.

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