That Time of Year
- An off-duty police officer was in very serious condition Wednesday night after shooting himself earlier in the day on the city's Northwest Side, according to the Chicago Police Department.
The unnamed officer shot himself about 4 p.m. Wednesday...
Seriously, if you or anyone you know is feeling down, depressed, on the verge of making a very bad decision regarding their lives, get them help.
If that person is you, seek help.
There are so many services available through the Department and referrals outside of the Department if need be. Don't become a statistic.
NOTE: Sympathy and prayers for the unnamed officer ONLY. All other comments will be deleted. We have other posts below that you can spout off in.
If that person is you, seek help.
There are so many services available through the Department and referrals outside of the Department if need be. Don't become a statistic.
NOTE: Sympathy and prayers for the unnamed officer ONLY. All other comments will be deleted. We have other posts below that you can spout off in.
Labels: info for the police, officer down
posted by SCC at 12:05 AM
134 Comments:
Last I heard he is still on the vent, but it is looking as if he is brain dead, family is making sure that is the case before deciding what to do.
So sorry to hear of things of this nature and right before the holidays.
My thought and prayers go out to family and friends during the trying time.
Godspeed ML
Folks, there is nothing worth taking your life for. There are more reasons to live than the alternative. Reach out. You have more friends, family members and coworkers that care about you than you can imagine. Don't let this job consume you or anything that is in your power to control/change.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Rest in peace brother.
I utilized the counseling service provided by the department. I walked in and began couseling sessions..no questions asked and NO DEPARTMENT INTERFERENCE! They don't even know. IT WORKS!!! I am LIVING proof.
I heard that that offcier has expired
remember guys family first. if you are feeling down talk to the ones who really love you! this job comes second.
Dont let this job or this time of the year get to you..stick together and always help someone that is down. God bless everyone, except that piece of dog shit that was on the news from 002.
get well. i hope others realize that NOTHING is worth taking your life over-------especially the job or a fuckn broad.
My prayers are with the officer and his family. Please people, being safe means taking care of yourself as well. If you are having these thoughts, please seek some help either inside the department or outside.
May God be with you and your family.
stay strong brother and hope you pull through....youve got plenty of people who will help tp get you through the tough times
We have many suicides a year, and now these fucking media vultures are going to start covering......wtf.....
he worked in 017. bonafide
May God Bless you my friend and please fellow officers tomorrow is always another day. Talk to your co-workers, family and Father Nagle is always there to help. Please pray for this officer and his family.
After Kevin Flannigan passed, Deputy Flannigan wrote something to all officers in Chicago. He said go out of your way to be nice to someone that you think may be down or depressed.
Coming from such a kind man that had lost his son, I truly think about this on a daily basis. DO SOMETHING KIND OR MAKE SOMEONE LAUGH THAT NEEDS IT. LIFE ISN'T THAT SERIOUS.
I worked with this officer and NEVER in a million years thought he would do something like this.
My thoughts and prayers go out to this fellow officer, his family, friends and coworkers. We need to keep an eye on each other.
Rest in peace ML. You always made me laugh. You were always known as a hard working copper and I hope God grants you his peace! I will pray for your family.
The officer in question will be missed. He was one of the best on our watch. I for one am saddened by this.
I feel so sad when I hear that someone's life is so bad that they feel they have no other choice. I've been there and it was a good friend of mine who helped me get my head back on strait. If you know someone who's having a tough time you'd be surprised how a little concern from your fellow officers, friends or family can make the difference between life and death. I hope this officer get the help they need.
God be with his family.
Shame on the Tribune for even printing this.
My prayers and condolences to the family. God bless!
Listen up boys n girls, I was workin last night in 016 and things like this are terrible we all know. The 1st officers on scene did an excellent job containing the situation, comforting the family and following up with appropriate protocols. A very difficult situation and our greatest thanks should go to the 1st responder CFD personnel who were working on our brother before we even arrived. They kept him alive all the way to Lutheran general hospital until god called him away. Thanks CFD.
Who knows what triggers such an event, but if you are feeling down, depressed or anything then there are people in BLUE to help. Partners, other PO's, a sgt, lt anyone to talk to. We need to help each other!
A permanent solution to a tempory problem is NO GOOD!
God bless the family and all our working police and families this Holiday Season!
Guys, there's no shame in seeking a little professional guidance when depressed.
The media has reached an all time low by posting this.
Anonymous said...
I utilized the counseling service provided by the department. I walked in and began couseling sessions..no questions asked and NO DEPARTMENT INTERFERENCE! They don't even know. IT WORKS!!! I am LIVING proof.
12/12/2007 11:24:00 PM
Amen, thanks for passing on the info. Folks,if you don't want to go downtown, call Peer Suppport and they can give you a name of a peer support counselor in your district. All confidential
My Prayers are for his soul and his family in this trying time.
As 11:24 said, get help! Its free, its confidential and IT WILL HELP, one day at a time.
Nothing, not even prison, is worse than eating your gun.
Think of who you leave behind.
You are not alone.
Let's se how much the memorial ponies up. Remember the mission beyond the memorial.
God bless his friends and family.
Pallidin
My Prayesr are with this officer! Like others have stated help each other if you notice another is depressed, mad at significant other etc.. counsole him/her! We are all we have! God Bless the officer!!
ML is a good man and took pride in his work as a policeman. I was privledged enough to be his partner and friend. I always knew he had my back, we always shared a couple of laughs, and we always went home safe. Nothing more you could ask for. I wish he had asked for help, there were literally a hundred people or more who knew him and would have dropped everything to be there for him. Whatever troubled you brother, I hope you find peace in the next world. Your family, friends , and this department lost one of there finest.
We have all been in a dark place at some point. Being in a profession where we help and comfort others, it is difficult to seek that help and comfort for ourselves. In honor of ML, call that friend you haven't talked to in a while, I wish I had.
A good friend for 016 went away in a similar fashion a few years ago. I still can't quite believe that this happy, fun, outgoing person would be battling such demons. At his funeral there were hundreds of mourners...it struck me, I wonder if he had any idea how many lives he touched in a positive way, every day? MS I keep you forever in my thoughts and prayers
May God bless his family and have mercy on his soul, a truly nice guy just doesnt make sense
but if you are feeling down, depressed or anything then there are people in BLUE to help. Partners, other PO's, a sgt, lt anyone to talk to. We need to help each other!
I hope you take what this person posted to heart. I didn't start reading this post until this week and let me tell you I have never seen a group of people say such negative things about their own (blue). Isn't this suppose to be a brotherhood? We are in this together and we have to stick together.
This blog can make someone depressed. I've read so many disgusting, negative, depressing, aggravating (I can go on and on) posts on this blog. I hope that you folks that have posted negative and sinnacle things about your own will reflect upon yourselves and realize the harm that you are doing to your fellow officers.
My prayers go out to his wife and family.
We have each other. Reach out...no one will turn you away if you need to talk. There is always someone who has been in a similar situation who can help you through it. It might be a god-awful TIME to be the police, but it will never be god-awful to BE the police. Be there for each other.
Officers, there is NOTHING worth taking your own life over. It becomes especially tough for some around the holidays and it is each and every one of our jobs to do something about it. If that something is as simple as just listening or even more involved as holding onto the others firearm for a while. For officers that are lucky enough to have regular partners, don't be afraid to talk to them about something that is really bothering you or if you notice something different don't be afraid to pull him aside and say,"hey?" To those who aren't fortunate enough to have a regular partner, please don't ever feel that you cannot pull another officer aside and ask him to just listen. Everybody keeps telling each other how they are the real police because they work here or there or they do this or that but the reality of it is the REAL POLICE will NEVER turn their back on another officer in need regardless of where they work. Let's all do everything we can to make sure this is the last time we ever have to read, post or hear of this ever happening again. Please stay safe and God Bless everyone that has ever worn the uniform.
Super nice person, and great copper will be truly missed. My prayers to the family. Godspeed
God Bless him and his family. The suicide rate amongst police officers is way too high. Take care of yourselves and each other and remember family ALWAYS comes first. We all have bills to pay, but consider taking DOH for Christmas as a way to remind yourself that its family first. If you dont have enough time on to take the day, just remember that when u do, make every effort to. I know i dont want to lose my family for this job. We owe it to ourselves to really take care of each other.
my thoughts and prayers are with the officer and his family. i think that this tragic situation should make us pause and make a conscious effort to treat each other better and never take a moment for granted. to my fellow officers out there,i know some of you are going through rough times and i know some of you are hurting but i promise you the sun will rise sooner than you know and you will smile again,your heart will heal and most importantly you will survive. unfortuantely on this job we have a culture that if you ask for help or you reach out that you will be considered weak and we need to change that.lets look out for each other lets be good to each other and most importantly lets stop this petty infighting and lets go back to be a family. we also need to never miss an oppurtunity to tell our friends and family that we love them. we always seem to wait until people are gone to say how we truly feel. we need to tell the people who matter we love them when they are here because thats truly when it counts. to my fellow officers be safe,take care of each other and if you see someone is sad and hurting open your heart and reach out to them because a simple act of kindness can be the strength someone needs to carry on.
I was very upset to have learned about this officer. My deepest heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends, and co-workers.
I will pray for the officer.
Please, please, I beg of anyone who is feeling depressed to seek guidance, whether it be spiritual or professional. You would be no less of a person if you seeked help.
Family and friends are what is most important in life, the rest is second.
I'll pray to St. Jude & to St. Michael for all.
God Bless.
R.I.P brother in blue
To the family of our departed brother officer, may our merciful creator grant you peace and serenity with each passing day to help heal a kind of pain that at this moment feels unbearable.
I have known of officers whom have taken their lives and even briefly entertained the thought myself at one time in my life. It is a permanent solution to what is a temporary problem.
We as police officers must go out on a daily basis and try to solve the ills of the public, most dont really want us there or appreciate what we try to do. That is the nature of our profession, it is what it is.
We must then go home and face our own problems and the skills we apply on the job have no bearing whatsoever.
There are always alternatives my friends and just because we are the police doesnt mean we cant use a little helping hand every now and then.
God bless and keep all you who wear the blue.
God Bless
it breaks my heart to hear the news of ML's dilemma. i wish he would of reached out. we all have our ups and downs. theres nothing that we cant straighten out. Look out for us from up there on your perch. Godspeed.
my sympathy goes out to the family.
god bless
My prayers and thoughts are with this officer and his family.
And echoing the sentiments of another here - please do not hesitate to use our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). I have seen a counselor/therapist there and it has helped me tremendously. They are now located at the old St. Michael's House (Adams/Paulina) so you don't even have to go into the loop anymore.
Everyone, let's be aware of our surrounding brothers and sisters in blue. The holidays are a very hard time for some people.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Bereavement-Overload---Coping-With-Multiple-Losses&id=681662
Get help. Often grief arises during holidays. Also, when experiencing a current loss, we also grieve all losses that came before.
Friends, family---you notice something that's not right. A loved one not quite themselves, don't be afraid to bring the issue up.
We go on. Things get better.
----a mental health professional.
Don't be a hero. Talk to someone.
Some things you can control and some things you can't. As a survivor of depression I KNOW that anyone can overcome it and it CAN be controlled. this story breaks my heart because what ever was wrong could have been fixed. If anyone is in a situation like this ask for some help! There is way too much depression on this job but also many who have recovered and that can help. TRUST SOMEONE WHO HAS OVERCOME IT.
Shit. May god bless his family!
Please know that the 'ripple effect" of what you are about to do to yourself is the farthest thing from you mind when you are out of your mind and think nothing will end your pain but suicide. Please, please just take one second to think about about all the others that your deed will effect, They say suicide is a selfish act and that there is no thought of what this will do to others. Today, just pray for his family, his co-workers,the officers and bosses on the scene, his friends, the dispatchers and oemc personnell who helped last night, all these people who are shedding tears for this poor soul, a poor soul who never gave anyone else a thought before he pulled the trigger. May he go with God.
I'm so sorry to hear this especially at this time of year. Things are never as bad as you think and I hope that all others having these feelings will reach out for help. But we should all remember even if they don't reach out for help and we see something like this we should reach out to them. Often times the feelings of depression can cloud their judgement and they don't realize everyone out there who truly care for them. May God bless his family at this terrible time and my God bless us all as we go forward in such trying times for our department and try to do our jobs.
Prayers to the member and his family.
I have used the professional counseling services myself. There are times when we need some outside guidance. My counselor helped me tremendously. I have recommended the services to other members. I can only speak for the counselor that I had, but he was awesome!
If you need help, don't be too proud to seek it out. You and your family members are entitled to the services.
We were in the same district, tho on different watches, I would see you leaving as I was headed in most days......we would speak from time to time. ML, you were always a gentleman........rest in peace my friend.............
I'm gad to see we can all come together in a time like this...My thoughts and prayers goes out to the officer's family. We should always keep that brotherly attitude alive...A good start is to stop trying to demorilize each other, particularly on BLOG, and always lend a helping hand to those in need. STAY SAFE!!
THE BLUE POET
After 35 years on the job I became very seriously ill. I have been literally fighting for my life for the last three years, Ive had a major operation, been in a life threatening coma, been up, down and all around. Super human efforts have been made on my behalf, and now I am a functioning invalid
,and now my doctors want me to go to a psyc. I was insulted and I was ashamed, but now I feel its a great idea. Ive been taking a beating for years, and now Im really getting a beating, and maybe mental help is what I need. Officers, if you feel that you might need to talk to someone please do so, Im a self proclaimed badass, larger than life, and somewhat of a legend, mostly for the wrong reasons, but a legend nonetheless. The people that get hurt in a suicide are inncocent, why would you hurt people who love you? Why would you hurt yourself? I have been telling everyone about my doctors request, I have had great men ask me how I feel about it, and I say I feel good about it, maybe I need it, and the longest journey begins with the first step. If I helped anyone with my little story it will be the best work I have ever done, other than to be a husband and father. God bless you and your families officers, we are not islands, we are not as tough as we think we are. Love to you all.
My heart goes out to his soul and his loved ones. I sometimes think seriously about taking my own life, and this is a wake up call for to get help. My God Bless You!
I would like to say that I am willing to talk to anyone at any time...I will offer my time to potentially save a life...NOTHING...I repeat NOTHING is worth taking your life over!! If you are going through a divorce...in my words...after everything is settled you'll get another one..If you have financial problems...they have a way of working themselves out...but NOTHING is worth killing yourself over ever!! I have had personal illnesses with my children and financial difficulties as well with monsterous hospital bills etc...and times can get unsettling in your relationship over these types of stress and add on the stress of work and it can be overwhealming! But....No matter how overwhealming it may seem...there is always someone who is willing to talk to you and shed some light on your situation...You should NEVER consider suicide...ever,It is NOT the answer it only leaves a bad situation much worse...you end up hurting more people than yourself. I have seen and known officers that have taken this route and they have had children....myself and fellow officers sit dumfounded wondering why this happened or why the officer didn't talk to us...we saw him / her every day!! Then even worse...the children suffer,no christmas with their parent, no easter, no thanksgiving, birthdays etc...so why hurt your family so terribly?? Over a divorce?? Over money?? That is worth taking your life?? NO WAY!! There are resources available to all officers out there..you are not robots without feelings, you are not a computer...you are a human being and life is challenging...you need support...please call and get the support you need...nobody will ever laugh at you or think differently of you for saving your life or the life of another officer...We deal with enough shit every day and get little or no thanks for doing so...Please if you need to talk call me...anytime..anyplace...I have been through a lot personally and profesionally...I am here to help...The answer is not in a bottle or at the end of your gun...We will find the answer thgether. Please call anytime.
Sgt Mark G. Golosinski 016th Dist
work# 312-742-4480
Cell# 773-807-2131
My condolences go out to ML and his family. He was a stand up guy. RIP brother
My deeptest condolences to the ML family. Wish this officer could have reached out to someone instead of taking such final measures. The Lord be with him and his family.
I worked with this officer and NEVER in a million years thought he would do something like this.
12/13/2007 12:42:00 AM
This is a very typical response of people that know someone who commits suicide. They are masters at hiding it.
RIP.
I came close to a melt down after alot of things fell on me at once. Please, Please if you see you're at the end of your string seek help. The hardest part is taking the first step and getting help. Thank God I took a leap and went to EAP counseling. I think it probably saved my life. There are resources for us out there. We are supposed to be pillars of strength, but with what we deal with at work and problems at home, we do collapse. You can't get through it yourself. I thought that, but found out different. EAP's counselors know our pain and our mindset. They can help you put it in perspective. I'm glad I finally swallowed my pride and admitted I couldn't do it myself. It wouldn't have been me that I punished, but my loved ones. If you feel the urge to harm yourself, get help for your loved ones and yourself. God bless the officer and his family. Just one incident like this is too much.
I remember in 98 we lost so many Officers to their own hand that Supt. Hilliard actually had an "All Call" on the topic.
This time of year can be hard; I've had several friends and even my former partner (VB RIP) kill themselves. One thing that seems to ring true in all the cases is that the Victims were always the people that you would least expect.
I've seen a lot of harsh comments on the blog in recent past but during the Holidays try to reach out to each other in kindness; you just might be saving another PO's life.
Peace to all my Brothers and Sisters in Blue. Here's to a better Year in 08.
This is a truly sad event. I have recently heard that the officer expired. All the prayers for his family. In a similar situation last year a P/O by the name of George Sullivan committed suicide. George was a great friend to alot of people on this job. That being said there is a benefit on Dec 15th. This Saturday night at 9pm at Rick's Bar at the corner of Taylor/Western. All monies that are collected that night go to his family(wife and 6 kids). I know its the holidays and we also have families to take care of but now more than ever we have to remember that there are also our brothers and sisters in blue that need our help and also their families. George was assigned to the 011th and 004th districts. If you can stop by it would certainly be appreciated. Merry xmas to you and all your families.
GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY. I HAVE ALWAYS SAID TO MYSELF AND OFTEN TELL OTHERS I PLAN ON BEATING THIS CITY OUT OF ITS MONEY UPON RETIREMENT AND YOU SHOULD TOO.
HE was a nice guy, worked tara in 017 one night a while back, seemed down to earth. God Bless M.L
Men and woman this job is only a pay check nothing more a means to pay the bills, please focus on your family and not this job. Believe me when I say been their and lived to tell the tell. Life is wonderful. my prayers to the Officer and his Family and friends.
Good thoughts on the way from the east coast. Take care of each other.
Some times it's not just the job we do but the pressures from home that get to us too. I just wished he would have reached out to his friends or family before making such a drastic and severe decision. May God have mercy on his soul and watch over his loved ones.
I was on the medical for about 8 months due to severe depression and suicidal issues stemming from a divorce and other issues. The department was (surprisingly) very good about everything. Actually they kept me off longer than I wanted to be, but in the long run they were right, I needed more time. If you are having problems guys, the department is actually there for us.
It was 7 years ago that I had the barrel of my revolver in my mouth and was about to pull the trigger.
To this day I am not sure why I didn't pull the trigger but I can say that I am so happy I didn't.
Yes, life is an emotional and physical roller coaster. Its neither fair or just. But everyday that comes and goes, no matter how bad or good, is another day your here to help another that may need it.
In the long run, who knows if there really is a Heaven or Hell. So what we have on this planet is all there may be. So live it, share it and try to make each day count. It may be the the smallest little thing or something major like your child's wedding, but make it count.
God Bless.....
I utilized the counseling service provided by the department. I walked in and began couseling sessions..no questions asked and NO DEPARTMENT INTERFERENCE! They don't even know. IT WORKS!!! I am LIVING proof.
12/12/2007 11:24:00 PM
I'm happy for you that the dept did indeed help you, However I attempted to use the counseling service as I was having trouble within the police dept and the counseling service wanted no part of me. I got help through my doctor for stress bough on by the department and realized I could not change this department only myself by staying away from wrong doing and bid out when the bosses fuck with you.
Don't forget any Peer Support officer will talk to you about anything and not be judgemental and will keep it in confidence.
The Dept's Professional Counseling Service has great people down there who will work with you and nobody will say anything.
There is a General Order about it.
No matter what,,,nothing is that bad to eat your pistol.
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
RIP, office.
I thought about this. It is tragic. The department asks us to reach out and help and to talk to those of us we perceive as troubled. yet, the supervisors let some officers openly abuse alcohol, call in "bottle sick" on the medical all the time, or make special "no work" assignments for special people. The supervispors ignore the troubled officers where I work. Still, the least we can do is talk to each other one on one.
To all my brothers & sisters in Blue,
Take care of yourselves. This job should not be the only thing that you live for. Have outside interests and friends. DO NOT just have police friends and hang outs. Being the police is fine and all but everyone needs something else in their lives besides being the police 24/7. Take time for yourselves and your families. That is what is important in life.
If you think that things are getting tough and you don't know if you can handle it, don't be embarrassed, ask for help. We have plenty of counseling sevices available to us and our families. That is probably the only thing that is right with this department.
Again, stay safe and have a wonderful Holiday Season.
Many prayers & sadness...
Sorry to say, the suicide rate amongst offficers exceeds the LODD. Please... reach out.
To all brothers and sisters concerned,
As I write the ODPO's wife is making a decision to let him expire naturally or to maintain vent until he expires. He has only minimal reflexive brain response and alot of distruction to both frontal lobes. Mark's family (myself included) appreciates the continual assistance offered to us by 017. I will post any updates as they occur. My only hope is that we learn two lessons from this.
1. If you feel at all out of sorts reach out to someone.
2. We cannot rationalize irrational acts.
My thought go toward a fishing trip we took in October. Probably the closest we have ever been and he was in his glory. Mark cared very much for this job and the people that make our family and even thought he was not caught up in any of the recent scandals, as I, he was deeply bothered by them. Regardless of what the future of this Department is we must remember that we the only ones that are here for us. We cannot call 911 for help because we are the final blue line (thin by no means).
Again our family is very thankful for the support and please keep Mark in you prayers.
SGT Paul Sedlacek 015
Marks friend and brother-in-law
P.S. May god watch over 1st watch in 017 and keep them safe.
My prayers go out to this officer and his family. That being said, suicide is the easy way out. It takes more courage to face life and it's harsh realities then to pull the trigger. There are many avenues available for help out there. I have used several and by the grace of God and one of his most stedfast disciples, Father Tom Nangle, I am still walking around today. God bless all out there doing the work of God, protecting those who need protection.
After Kevin Flannigan passed, Deputy Flannigan wrote something to all officers in Chicago. He said go out of your way to be nice to someone that you think may be down or depressed.
ADS Flangan always went out his way to get a smile or laugh from the thropps. God bless him and may Kevin R.I.P.
May our brother R.I.P. and his family be in our prayers.
The bashing we take on a daily basis from these assholes who want to criticize everything do takes a toll on every one of us.
We are doing gods work, don't forget that.
R.I.P. brother
My condolences on the loss of your loved one. Very sad the tragic loss of life. My thoughts are for his family and partners.
God Bless the USA and all of her Defenders and Protectors!!!
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the officer's family and friends, and the entire CPD.
May he R.I.P.
My condolences to our brother officer and his family. All my CPDbrothers and sisters, please remember, seek help if things get that bad, we deserve it. Nothing that goes on in this organization or outside problems is worth losing your life and family for. I wish I could help. Please reach out if you need to, whether to in department or outside department sources..
Pray for him and pray for his family. God bless all.
My deepest symathy and condolences to the family.
Many of you who are mentally healthy will never understand what goes through the minds of someone who is depressed. Its easy to say get help, its easy to say talk to someone, but it is at the moment an impossible task. I was there a long time ago and we put up such a strong front that it shames us to feel so weak, let alone say the words help. Its a very lonely dark place that is visited frequently, a place no one is welcome but ourselves. If it sounds horrible it is, because inside there is no reason, no family or friends that matter, thats how bad it gets. god helps some of us get through these horrible times and some not. I only hope that our families will understand that it wasn't done to hurt anyone, not even ourselves. It is just the only answer at the time that makes all the hurt go away. We love our families, we love our friends but the pain is somehow much stronger.
God bless his family and freinds who hopefully will get through one of the hardest times of their lives and continue to love one another and keep each other strong.
Mark,
You will be missed by many, may god look over you and your family.
your friend,
DK
A good friend for 016 went away in a similar fashion a few years ago. I still can't quite believe that this happy, fun, outgoing person would be battling such demons. At his funeral there were hundreds of mourners...it struck me, I wonder if he had any idea how many lives he touched in a positive way, every day? MS I keep you forever in my thoughts and prayers
12/13/2007 08:24:00 AM
***********************************
I knew MS as well. I'll never forget his smile or laugh. I still think of him frequently. I often ask..WHY?
God Bless all CPD brothers and sisters who are hurting physically,mentally,or spiritually!
I'll help you..Just ask. I only wish MS had "reached out" to a classmate or co-worker!
ML,
May your memory be eternal my brother, worthy of blessedness and everlasting.
May God be with this officers family. I would like to ask that if you ever get that feeling that your partner or friend is considering suicide, dont be afraid to ask them if that is what they are thinking about. Sometimes that is all that it takes to find this person some help.
Twice as many police officers kill themselves as bad guys kill us. Godspeed to this officer, my prayers.
Sgt Mark G. Golosinski 016th Dist
work# 312-742-4480
Cell# 773-807-2131
-------------------------------------
Sir, I do not know you and we have never meet but let me take this tragic time to thank you for offering yourself to help another in need--a true gentleman.. I shedd tears for this Officer and his family, the nature of our work is at times so isolating. This combined with other personal problems can create a terrible mix--please talk to someone... We all need too. May God watch over all of you and keep you safe.
You are in good hands now ML,Godspeed bro.
I've used the Department Counseling services during a rough time in my marriage. I can't speak for all of the staff there but Dennis Adams was so much help to me. He is very down to earth, cognizant of many police issues, and easy to talk to.
RIP Brother! I have many years on this job, had problems was visited by the fbi, needed attornies got help was extremely nervous went on for 2 years with the media following me etc... everything turned out ok lots of stress there is help other officers helped me please turn to each other and watch out for each other! Godspeed to this officer!
i just wanted to say I knew who ML was but did not know him very well, but he was always such a classy gentleman my paryers are with u brother , please always pray, Prayer before anything else, this is especially true when counselling doesnt work, prayer always will it just may not be in your time but it is up to God, GOD bless all! by the way Sgt from 016-thanks!
I pray for you and your family
God Bless all
Stay Safe
I dont care who you are on this job, but reading this should send a message to anyone considering ending their own life to reconsider. Sometimes I feel like I dont know where this job is going and say to hell with this, and then I read in these lines what good people many of you are deep inside. Let each other see that side of you from time to time, it might make a difference when you least expect it. You are the finest and keep it that way. Continue to look after each other from the hair gel rookies, and that cracks me up, to the crusty coffee stained veteran of which I have become.
Merry Christmas to all you unappreciated, underpaid, oversexed, blue shirt wearin' nutjobs that answer to Chicago Police. By the way, in case you didnt know, oversexed means you are always gettin' f*cked!
Godspeed ML
Very tough for me to sort out my thoughts. I've gone from sadness over Mark, to anger with Mark.
If you could see the faces of your wife, mom, sisters, even your confused dog - then you never would've done this. I feel like you should've watched It's A Wonderful Life. R.I.P.
His family should sue the reporters for causing him this kind of emotional distress.
It won't bring him back but it might stop the idiots from pushing their agenda.
"had "reached out" to a classmate or co-worker!"
-----------------------------
Some people say that after the fact but how many people will TRULY BE THERE to LISTEN and be a GOOD true blue friend when that happens? How many times do you see posts and hear about how someone seeked help for say divorc, etc and they were called a nutjob, a loose cannon, etc. All just because all they really needed was to just vent and gte it out, then be able to slowly get it together. Another problem is when you really trust someone and they turn around and use that one down moment against you.
Food for thought.
dear brothers
i was involved in a fatal incident and saw the dept shrink doctor for a police involved shooting.
i began having night mares and panic attacks when a door would open or squeak. i was filled with guilt which was unwarranted.
i was afraid to go to the department. i went to a psych doctor and paid cash out of my pocket so the city would not find out. Only my wife and partner knew.
i was put on medication for severe depression and alchololism. i was told i was suffering from post traumatic stress, the drinking made me sleep through the nite not waking up dreaming my gun did not fire and the dude was not at the end of my bed.
low and behold i was called in randomly twice for urine tests. nothing showed up, which i feared.
i am still embarassed picking up the medication but with out my one tablet dailly i would not survive.
my wife gets my medication, i see the doctor twice a year and still pay cash. i am afraid of the dept or state finding out when i got my new gun card but i am a better person and have struggled but the pain was only temporary at the time i believed it was the end of the world
mystory is not unusual this is only a bull shit job use the resources available to get ure self help we are good people serving man kind under bs conditions
my co workers have allways been kind to me do the same for others
ML was ALWAYS a gentleman to all those who knew him. a man who never seemed to get caught up in all the b.s. of the dept. one of the nicest guys i'v ever had the pleasure of knowing on this job. may god hold him in his hands now, and relieve any pain he was in.
please everyone, try to remember the saying "if you have nothing good to say, dont say anything at all." sometimes just the gossip amongst our own co-workers gets very hard to take.
please all, put yourselves above all the demeaning things people can say behind your back.
the only opinion about you that matters is the one you have about yourself. r.i.p. ml, you will be greatly missed by all who knew you.
My friend, you will be missed. Roll call and the watch will not be the same with you gone. I wish I could have done more, or known the right words to say at the end of our tour. I know you are with God and I will pray for God to comfort your family. Rest in Peace, ML.
Friends in blue, please, please reach out to someone if you are hurting, depressed or feeling lost. Your other brothers and sisters are here for you.
THE BLUE POET
Get all the help you need. What have you got to lose? There's nothing wrong with it.
Seeing the things we see in life, can affect us. Talk to someone. It really does help.
Life isn't always a bowl of cherries. I learned that the hard way. I can admit that I needed help dealing with some of life's hard lessons. I don't feel any less because I couldn't handle it on my own. I'm thankful that there was help offered to me.
r.i.p brother in blue---may God grant your family peace.
sister in blue
12/14/2007 07:16:00 PM
You're not alone.
To: 12/14/2007 07:16:00 PM
Just so you know you are not alone. I too am on medication for depression and anxiety. My reason is because of a chemical imbalance and family history of it. Just so you know there are certain type of medications that are dept approved, such as Zoloft. The dept does not test for these things in random drug so don't worry about it. Even if it did come up as long as you have a prescription you are OK. Like you I keep it to myself, I'm sure my co-workers would be surprised to know I even take the stuff. Trust me, there are a lot more Officers than you think who take some type of antidepressant. Don't feel bad. And to my fellow Officers please do not be ashamed to get help if you need it, It does not make you weak, it makes you strong.
Dear 12/14/2007 07:16:00 PM
My brother in blue, God bless you for taking the steps necessary to help yourself feel better.
I don't know who you are but I certainly admire and respect you for this.
You are stronger than you probably realize.
Stay safe, happy, and have a wonderful 2008!
Same goes to all my brothers & sisters in blue!
Mark has passed on to the other side now and goes with god. All of the arrangements have been made and are in the daily bulletin. Again I want to thank all those who kept vigil with Mark and our family, as well, as all those who have kept him in their hearts and prayers. I believe there are PO's that were touched my Mark and these events that have taken place who may be having problems sorting this out. Please, Please, call me,someone else, speak to a friend, just reach out. Thanks again to all.
If anyone needs someone to talk with about anything that bothers you, my Cel # is 773-304-7130 and I will be there for any of our brothers and sisters in Blue
Paul Sedlacek
Mark's friend and brother-in-law
rumor says the wake is Sunday 12/16 but i can't find any info - anybody got it?
As someone who used to work in a psych ward, it is usaually the ones who don't seem depressed. Watch for unusually happy behavior, rather than low behavior around this holiday season. Look out for people that start giving some of their personal items away.
I am not a police officer, but I live in the 17th district. I am sorry to hear of your loss. I can't even pretend to imagine what kind of toll your job takes on you daily. Please stay strong and know that there are people that not only support and care about you but, are proud that you are strong enough to protect us each day. Prayers to this officers family and co-workers.
Visitation for Mark's wake will be this afternoon between 3 and 9 PM at the funeral parlor at 6250 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Funeral Mass Monday morning at St. Pascal's to Maryhill Cemetery.
See Sunday Trib death notices, Section 4.
I HAVE BEEN ON THE JOB SINCE 95, I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN TWO SHOOTINGS, I WENT TO IRAQ ON FOUR 5 MONTH TOURS. THIS JOB HAS BEATEN ME DOWN TO A POINT WHERE I DONT KNOW WHAT IS UP OR DOWN, I NO LONGER SLEEP AND HAVE NIGHTMARES SO REAL I WAKE UP AND FEEL AS THOUGH I JUST FINISHED WORKING OUT! THE ONLY THING I HAVE GOING FOR ME IS THAT I HAVE BEEN IN AA FOR 16YRS, THEY NOW TELL ME THAT I HAVE DEPRESSION,PTSD AND ACUTE WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. SOMEDAYS I FEEL LIKE EATING THE SIG MAYBE THE PAIN WILL STOP OR NOT I JUST DONT KNOW ANYMORE. THIS JOB, WORKING FOR THE CPD HAS BEATEN MANY GOOD OFFICERS DOWN. HAD YOU ASKED ME 12 YRS AGO WOULD I BE SITTING HERE TALKING ABOUT KILLING MYSELF OR DRINKING AGAIN I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU NO FUCKING WAY!!! I JUST DONT KNOW ANYMORE, I DONT FEEL HAPPY OR SAD JUST NUMB AND I DONT GET IT. TO THE OFFICER WHO DID WHAT HE DID I WILL PRAY FOR I JUST HOPE GOD IS LISTENING.
Don't feel bad. And to my fellow Officers please do not be ashamed to get help if you need it, It does not make you weak, it makes you strong.
12/15/2007 09:25:00 AM
I do not trust exempts. BUT, use peer support. They are in every unit. They are sworn to secrecy and is a great first step to seek help. I became a peer support a few years ago and was surprised how many officers really need some one to talk to. Amazing the need out there. Most will never approach a watch commander or above but will talk to blue shirts and sgts. The service peer support provides is to listen carefully then suggest EAP if necessary. Or call EAP, a wonderful organization. Exempts will never know. EAP has saved many careers and lives. There is always a friend out there to help. Do not be embarassed, use peer support.
I HAVE BEEN ON THE JOB SINCE 95, I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN TWO SHOOTINGS, I WENT TO IRAQ ON FOUR 5 MONTH TOURS. THIS JOB HAS BEATEN ME DOWN TO A POINT WHERE I DONT KNOW WHAT IS UP OR DOWN, I NO LONGER SLEEP AND HAVE NIGHTMARES SO REAL I WAKE UP AND FEEL AS THOUGH I JUST FINISHED WORKING OUT! THE ONLY THING I HAVE GOING FOR ME IS THAT I HAVE BEEN IN AA FOR 16YRS, THEY NOW TELL ME THAT I HAVE DEPRESSION,PTSD AND ACUTE WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. SOMEDAYS I FEEL LIKE EATING THE SIG MAYBE THE PAIN WILL STOP OR NOT I JUST DONT KNOW ANYMORE. THIS JOB, WORKING FOR THE CPD HAS BEATEN MANY GOOD OFFICERS DOWN. HAD YOU ASKED ME 12 YRS AGO WOULD I BE SITTING HERE TALKING ABOUT KILLING MYSELF OR DRINKING AGAIN I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU NO FUCKING WAY!!! I JUST DONT KNOW ANYMORE, I DONT FEEL HAPPY OR SAD JUST NUMB AND I DONT GET IT. TO THE OFFICER WHO DID WHAT HE DID I WILL PRAY FOR I JUST HOPE GOD IS LISTENING.
12/16/2007 03:44:00 AM
I have been on this job for 22 years and I have to say I understand completely what you are saying. You can only be demoralized for so long before it takes a toll on you. Too bad the media, public, and politicians can't understand that.
I want to start by saying thank you for your service in Iraq. Had family members who were there and I also understand the stress you brought back with you. Another situation most people do not understand. YOU have my honor and respect for the basic fact that you did what most people wouldn't think of doing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Please do not let this hopefully temporary situation with our department make you back slide into something that could possibly destroy your personal life. You must be proud of yourself for what YOU have done and not get wrapped up in what others do.
You need to know that YOU do the best you can do everyday on this job and that YOU did the best you could do in Iraq and continue doing what you do. Not sure if you are married or have children, but that needs to be your priority. Your parents honor you, your co-workers honor you and a small percent of the public honors you. PLEASE talk to someone. I have used our counselors on the department and they are awesome and confidential. No one has ever known I went to them and it turned my life around.
I often find myself feeling that it is time to leave this job because it isn't what it used to be, but everything changes and I need to be responsible for myself only. Let the media and public say what they say, be pissed at those that give us all a bad name. Yes.....some officers are to blame for this mess we find ourselves in. But whatever you do, do not give into the media, protect your family, yourself, and your pension. Hang in there for another 8 years, collect what this city OWES you and move on. Go to work everyday, proud that you do what you do (again something most people wouldn't consider doing), do it right and be proud of yourself.
We can only be responsible for our own actions and can answer to only for our own decisions. Let those that mess up answer for themselves and continue being yourself.
Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done for this country and this city. Please consider yourself a hero because many of us do!!!!
To 12/16/2007 03:44:00 AM...
I hope you have friends or family to talk to. You sound sad, but pleez remember your life is precious and there is help out there. Pleez take advantage of Peer Support or Employee Assistance.
There is a nice video tribute on the fh's web page....
http://videos.lifetributes.com/6051#
May God take M.L. into his arms and grant the peace and serenity to his greiving family, friends and brother and sister P.O.s who knew him. I graduated from high school and the academy with M.L. and never thought this tragedy would have happened to such a great person. As I sit here typing, I can't help but wonder if there was anything his family or freinds could have done to help him. We (coppers) have the great ability to hide our feelings from the rest of the world, because we don't want to appear weak if we show our emotions. Even if there were signs of depression they would be very hard to identify. I've been there, almost to the point of no return, but I found help. Do not be afraid to talk to someone...anyone about whats going on in your life! I could not bring myself to go to his wake today, I want to remember him as I saw him last. To all those who posted with assistance numbers and means to get help, God Bless you all. Rest in Peace Mark, you will be missed. God Bless all brothers and sisters in blue and stay safe.
The stress and demoralization on this job is 5 percent duty-related and 95 percent internal. Bosses, promotional exams, etc.
Legacy.com for Mark -
http://www.legacy.com/ChicagoSunTimes/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=99661705
Anonymous said...
There is a nice video tribute on the fh's web page....
http://videos.lifetributes.com/6051#
12/16/2007 12:04:00 PM
That brought me to tears
Sign his guestbook for the family at that legacy link. Last time I looked there was only a few comments on there.
There is nothing anyone could have done. when a depressed person begins that suicidal thought process, rational thoughts become blurred. once before I mentioned the book "COPSHOCK" that every cop should read. it tells us how to help each other. this is a bad time of year for suicide. Just be nice to EVERYONE is all you can do. GIJOE-I'm pretty sure I know who you are. don't even fucking think about it. If you are who I think, please call Paco NOW.Merry christmas and buy me some presents. Godspeed and Goodnight ML. I Honor your life and Salute your star.
I have watched this video but don't see a link to the guestbook and tried searching for one.
These links always get cut off on here and sometimes you may not get the whole thing when you copy and paste...Here it is again in case you didn't get the link for the guest book.
http://www.legacy.com/chicagotrib
une/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?
PersonId=99719053
thank you for posting the link. it made me feel better to sign the book for the fmaily.
I was at Mark's funeral today....a sad, sad day for his family and others who cared about him. I have not been on the job a long time (just over 3 years) but I was hoping to never have to put on the dress blues for anything other than the cheezy spring/winter inspections. I pray to God I never have to put them on for this reason again. Stay safe my brothers and sisters. Remember,if you decide to take your own life, there is no coming back...suicide is not a romantic notion to see who will miss you or who cares about you. You'll never know...you'll be dead...never to return. Not as yourself anyway...maybe as a bird or some fuckin tree if you believe in that sort of thing. We all have pain and it can be a tough burden to carry. DONT carry it alone and dont THINK you HAVE to carry it alone. There ARE people who care. But you'll never know that if you extinguish your own candle now will you?
Anonymous said...
God be with his family.
Shame on the Tribune for even printing this.
12/13/2007 02:10:00 AM
What was it that the tribune printed? I was unable to find anything....
Anonymous said...
The media has reached an all time low by posting this.
12/13/2007 07:24:00 AM
Posting what?
A police officer on policelink.com sent this link to me. I though it might someone out. Check it out and pass it around...
http://www.tearsofacop.com/index6.html
I just watched the video and was deeply moved by it.
Thank you to the person(s) who posted the link.
Also, thank you for posting the guestbook. I signed it and hope many others will as well.
Let's keep Mark's memory alive. I will think about him and his family often and keep them in my prayers.
~ Wife of a CPD officer
I am very sorry to the officers family. I work for Northlake Police and believe me its a nightmare to work at that department. We have to assist fellow officers in a time of need. Stay safe our rights as police are going away fast.
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