Another Suicide
We're told a retired (?) Detective out of what is now Area South?
We are at a loss, once again.
RIP Sir.
UPDATE: A bunch of comments saying recently promoted Detective. As we've preached here hundreds of times, don't go looking for specific information in Department databases - the recent mass firing at Northwestern is only one example of what could happen. We get the information via non-Department means in these cases and update as we can.
We are at a loss, once again.
RIP Sir.
UPDATE: A bunch of comments saying recently promoted Detective. As we've preached here hundreds of times, don't go looking for specific information in Department databases - the recent mass firing at Northwestern is only one example of what could happen. We get the information via non-Department means in these cases and update as we can.
Labels: general
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
70 Comments:
Enough already!!! When will the fucking department start to help its members.
Rest in peace EC. 02-5A.Until we meet again.
I heard it was a young guy 44? Thought he was still on the job. Anyway, another sad day. RIP
When someone wants to no longer be here, in their flesh, for whatever reason(s),⅞ despite the puzzling nature of that choice to any and all not knowing the reason(s), and, despite all compelling reasons any and all can come up with to not make that choice, it is a choice only each individual makes or does not mak.
Death is always primarily, if not only, a question of when.
Inevitable to all bodies.
To want to not be here, in the flesh, or to want to be where those you love have already gone, or both, is indivdual choosing at it's most essential.
There is no way for any to understand this most personal choice, until or unless you experience the reason(s) for this being here, in the flesh, final choosing.
No way whatsoever.
Those who choose to indulge in the "what if" and "if only" circle jerk may do so, as that also is their individual choice.
Not retired, promoted in the last class.
Great job, I’m not sure they had all this in the recruitment guide. This job totally blows. I just can’t wait to retire and move.
44 years old? Doesn't sound like he was retired to me. At least not willingly.
I wonder why Chicago has Police Suicide higher than the national average? I know it isn’t because they treat us so nice. We don’t even have a working contract.
Not retired. He was active. I knew him very well. He was a great guy.
Question for the older guy, maybe even retired guys... were there a lot of suicides back in the day? 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s? Just wondering if it was always like this with cops, or if it’s something that is a more recent trend. Or maybe because of the availability of news and social media we know of them more? Maybe back then they were happening but cops just didn’t hear about it unless u knew the guy or worked with him?
RIP Detective
Not retired. He was active. I knew him very well. He was a great guy.
Question for the older guy, maybe even retired guys... were there a lot of suicides back in the day? 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s? Just wondering if it was always like this with cops, or if it’s something that is a more recent trend. Or maybe because of the availability of news and social media we know of them more? Maybe back then they were happening but cops just didn’t hear about it unless u knew the guy or worked with him?
@@@@
No back in the day there was a lot of accidents
Question for the older guy, maybe even retired guys... were there a lot of suicides back in the day? 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s? Just wondering if it was always like this with cops, or if it’s something that is a more recent trend.
A lot of accidental deaths while cleaning the revolvers in the old days. The stigma of suicide was strong then ,for both the individual and his family. Not say it was right and hid the problem ,just saying that's what was done.
Northwestern very expensive program to track those people down so City-chicago can afford it
Early 70's when this occurred, the dick's would make it an accident so the poor family
could get benefits. Also people were more religious, this being a mortal sin. We r fucked as a society thanks to your politicians and news media and religious leaders?
Not retired. He was active. I knew him very well. He was a great guy.
Question for the older guy, maybe even retired guys... were there a lot of suicides back in the day? 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s? Just wondering if it was always like this with cops, or if it’s something that is a more recent trend. Or maybe because of the availability of news and social media we know of them more? Maybe back then they were happening but cops just didn’t hear about it unless u knew the guy or worked with him?
3/11/2019 01:54:00 AM
All of the above. It used to be that a lot of retired coppers never made it to their first retirement check. It seemed that they averaged eighteen months. If you made it past that, your all good. Seemed strange? I remember a really great guy fell asleep leaning against his pool after a party. He drowned, and his first retirement check was sitting on top of his dresser. RIP!
Being in a system as corrupt as ours wears on us in ways we do not understand. We go along when we benefit and stress when it doesn't. We lose in the end.
Anonymous said...
Not retired. He was active. I knew him very well. He was a great guy.
Question for the older guy, maybe even retired guys... were there a lot of suicides back in the day? 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s? Just wondering if it was always like this with cops, or if it’s something that is a more recent trend. Or maybe because of the availability of news and social media we know of them more? Maybe back then they were happening but cops just didn’t hear about it unless u knew the guy or worked with him?
3/11/2019 01:54:00 AM
I think it’s either the media listen to scanner traffic and officers say too much over the radio where the media is now asking questions and the department is “obligated” to reveal that information or it’s the department thinking they have to “inform” the public when something like this happens to one of us. Who knows why?
I believe it’s is no business of the public (like they even care) to know everything that occurs within the department but this administration is always making news affairs make statements to the media about incidents that should remain private especially when it doesn’t affect any citizens.
I read the prior post regarding the Officer with PTSD and his disability troubles, and now unfortunately another Officer commits suicide, and few things come to mind. Forget the personal feelings regarding BW, I don’t know him, and it seems from reading that there are several people who don’t believe his claims. This may or may not be true, however some of the comments I’ve read say “this job isn’t for everyone” or “PTSD is only for military stop cryin”. And now posts with this recent suicide will say to get help if your having trouble, suicide isn’t the answer. I don’t blame anyone for saying these things, and yes there are plenty of guys/gals scamming the system regarding depression or PTSD. My point is we need to realize that there are a lot of officers who are having trouble silently and still going to work everyday. These Officers are terrified of admitting to anyone they are having issues, due to the stigma that still exists. It’s not a matter of being weak or not being able to do the job, they don’t realize that you can suffer from these issues and still be able to work, but they need to seek help. You don’t have to advertise it to everyone but it is real. Everyone handles shit differently and some can get through it with minimal help, but it’s a problem that exists in the brain, and regardless of your ability to shrug it off, the mind may not allow you to. The ones we know who scam the system make it harder for those who are really sufffering, but we all need to understand that it doesn’t make everyone a fraud. We need to break that stigma so that these suicides are not so common. Understanding and getting help could make all the difference. Stay safe
CAme on in 1977; retired from CPD in 2006. The suicide rate from the 70's through the millennium was NEVER as high as it is now, in spite of what Rob Sobo says. There is a group working with CPD to start training supervisors about suicide awareness. Until that happens, PLEASE reach out to someone, ANYONE if you feel that your at your wits end and cannot go on.
Enough already!!! When will the fucking department start to help its members.
3/11/2019 12:09:00 AM
Unfortunately this is not job related, the member HAS to reach out to someone when he/she is having issues or problems. Remember when no one complains about anything then people think all is well... well it work the same with individuals. If the person with a issue or problem does not exhibit any sign that they are going through something and does not tell anyone that they are under pressure then it would appear that everything is ok with him/her, just ask this officer’s friends and I’ll bet they might say “he didn’t mention anything was wrong” or “he looked okay to me” but if he did complain then it’s incumbent on us to TAKE him/her to get help.
In response to the question from anonymous above...in my day we had a suicide of an active duty cop about once every five years. Usually related to finances. This in a department of 500 officers in the South. I retired after 39 years and it was always a concern but never addressed by the administration.
This is an issue your FOP should be taking the lead on. That's one of the reasons you have a union. Not just pushing your administration but establishing internal FOP counseling programs to address it.
My condolences to the officer's family and colleagues. Stick together, it's important.
Eric was a great guy. He went out with friends a lot, vacations to Vegas and had fun at work. This is an example of someone who was happy on the outside but really hurting on the inside. Would’ve never thought he could do this.
""Question for the older guy, maybe even retired guys... were there a lot of suicides back in the day? 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s? ""
I never remember a year 1/2 as bad as this. Including retired I bet the number is more like 10 or over and the active alone is 7 not 6.
Then again it didn't use to be an asshole job ran entirely by assholes.
I'll always remember you as a funny guy with great energy, EC. Rest in Peace, brother
I knew this was going to happen with all these news Laws and shit now. If you go to a shrink and say your suicidal he's going to contact the state and get your FOID pulled and not only will the Dept. find out but they are coming to your door and taking your guns away with no due process.
So now your on the rubber gun squad, lost your OT, and unless your clouted you get sent to some shit unit like call back like yesterdays trash. And who knows when the fuck you get out of there? I know a guy who went thru it, in fact he's still there.
Of course killing yourself isn't the answer but this asshole Dept. doesn't give a shit about you even then. Obviously all these guys didn't see a way out and something has to change. This idiot they have running this show should have been shit canned long ago, along with all his little minions. I'm long retired but I can coun't on two fingers the Boss's I knew who gave a damn about their troops.
There is not one exempt member of this department that gives a fuck about anyone but themselves. They all know it but don't care. RIP Detective
While we don’t know his particular situation, we are well aware of our high suicide rate.This job takes it’s toll on you, I never realized how bad it was for me until it was almost too late. I’ve never shared this with anyone but if I can help just one person avoid what I went through, it would be a blessing. We see more tragedy in our careers than human beings should ever witness and that can have a profound effect on our psycy. That coupled with some officers and supervisors who love to treat others like crap only adds to the frustration. If you find yourself pulling away from people you need to seek help, if you find yourself turning to alcohol, gambling, etc, you need to seek help. If you find you are becoming less and less patient and prone to outbursts, you need to seek help. If you see another officer exhibiting these symptoms or going through a stark personality change, reach out to them. Sometimes just a smile, a hello, can help someone feeling isolated. Know that you are not alone, you are not weak, you are simply human, and can use some help when life gets a little overwhelming.This job just isn’t worth it, if I had to make the choice all over again, I would have chosen a different path. I will continue to pray for all of my brothers and sisters who continue to hold the line under almost impossible circumstances. You are heroes, each and every one of you. This is my final post on SCC, It’s time to move on from the chapter of being a police officer and try to find my way back to who I once was. God Bless each and every one of you.
Back in the day, Police Officers committed suicides as they are today. I believe because of social media the news is spread almost immediately after death. Here is the ironic part of the problem: Police Officers are committing suicides and the department is trying to fire an Officers because of PSD. It goes to show you how much the city and the department care for us. Rest in Peace Officer, May the Good Lord protect your family.
There was also a retired detective who committed suicide. He lived in Chatham, I believe. It was in the media. You most recent one was active duty.
Retired with 30 in 2005, don't remember many taking their lives. An occasional very ill officer, Very seldom a young guy. One thing for sure, we seemed to be a lot more happy, in spite of job and goof bosses.
RIP..Prayers for family.
Please, get help if struggling.
Lost my brother, CPO, to suicide.
Get help.
I came on the job in 1987 and retired in 2017. After the recent spate of suicides I comprised a list of Police Officers I knew to some extent personally whether a partner or worked in a unit with etc. I counted 17 suicides. This is the number of Officers I had some level of an personal interaction with. That being said I don't remember it being this bad.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Not retired. He was active. I knew him very well. He was a great guy.
Question for the older guy, maybe even retired guys... were there a lot of suicides back in the day? 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s? Just wondering if it was always like this with cops, or if it’s something that is a more recent trend. Or maybe because of the availability of news and social media we know of them more? Maybe back then they were happening but cops just didn’t hear about it unless u knew the guy or worked with him?
3/11/2019 01:54:00 AM
Came on in the mid 60’s. It didn’t happen.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
I wonder why Chicago has Police Suicide higher than the national average? I know it isn’t because they treat us so nice. We don’t even have a working contract.
3/11/2019 01:09:00 AM
I hope you aren’t inferring that he committed because we don’t have a contract. Been on awhile and the average time for a signed contract has been over 2 years.
It was just as high in the 80’s and 90’s as it is now. Social media has highlighted this.
11 officers that I personally knew in my career that took their lives. That’s an alarming number. How many people who work in retail or computer technology can attest to that ? Two were in my academy class that took there lives later in their career. Devastating sad and painful for all involved.
Rest In Peace detective.
This latest suicide wasn’t retired but there was a retiree that recently took his life. Maybe that’s the confusion?? Either way, tragic.
Retired. I know 9 officers who committed suicide. People are assuming these suicides are job related. In most cases we will never know but from what I observed work was not a major factor.
3/11/2019 01:54:00 AM
There always was a lot of them. There was a study done in the late 70's that listed the highest suicide rates. Number 1 was dentists and number 2 was police officers. I'm retired after 34 years and personally knew 8 of them.
RIP officer.
The department nor anyone else can help a person who is determined to take their own life.
There are always warning signs. If you are having trouble dealing with life please talk with a family member, neighbor, co-worker or friend. Try going to Church and finding GOD. The life given to you is a blessing.
Can't wait to retire from this SHIT HOLE. Yes I said SHIT HOLE !!!!!!!
Statistically it could just be an outlier. The bell curve that such things tend to follow just about guarantees that some departments will be well over the average and others well under. it does not necessarily mean anything.
We were able to make them accidents back in the day. Makes a difference for life insurance. Had quite a few but nothing like what is happening today. Alot of accidents were due to terminal illness. Please, please, please if you get a"check the well being", especially of a PO, make sure you actually see/talk to them, no matter what the wife or whoever says!!!
Came on in '67 left in '98 and during the years knew 4-5 guys that did it. They were going thru divorce or had bottle problems, bad health news as in terminal.
Sad only way out where else can you go and make a similar salary many of us feel like were trapped?
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Not retired. He was active. I knew him very well. He was a great guy.
Question for the older guy, maybe even retired guys... were there a lot of suicides back in the day? 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s? Just wondering if it was always like this with cops, or if it’s something that is a more recent trend. Or maybe because of the availability of news and social media we know of them more? Maybe back then they were happening but cops just didn’t hear about it unless u knew the guy or worked with him?
3/11/2019 01:54:00 AM
There were some but now it looks like an epidemic, and social media like the dishonest fake news media that 24/7 beats down coppers and questions every move has made policing much worse! the police are bastardized at a high rate today especially CPD who the political democrats have decided to to take the side of the felons,thugs,and illegals over the hard working blue shirt police officers!
May this officer RIP, a young vibrant copper prayers to his family!! We always say look out for each other but with the many we are having deciding to take their lives they all seem well adjusted people and why the only 1 that knows is God and he is not telling us,pray for each other please!
Good question whether or not suicides are more prevalent now as compared to previous generations.
As a retired cop who started in the 70's I'd say it may not be worse now. Back in the day many of the suicides (when possible) were ruled accidental. A much used determination was that the officer was cleaning his service revolver at the time. Believe that was done to help ease the emotional pain with the family and with insurance policies.
Also alcohol was the choice for stress relief back then as over half the watch would stop "for one" after every tour of duty. Plus, other officers who never "stopped" just went home and hit the bottle. Many drank themselves to death but obviously it was not considered suicide.
It was a different department then in terms of knowing what was going on throughout the city. Social media like this blog has exposed more of what is happening on the job and sadly most of it is negative in nature.
Wish I knew back then how to stop it as too many cops I knew went out that way and the pain and suffering that their family endured was even more heartbreaking. Never will forget a widowed mother in her 80's staring into the casket that held her son wondering just why with having a wife and five young children that he could do something so unthinkable as putting a gun in his mouth and pulling the trigger.
I believe the only way it will substantially subside is finding a way to determine whether a person is suited to become a cop or a member of the military (maybe no one really is)
Nonetheless, both jobs are NOT for everyone.
In reference to the question regarding suicides in the 90’s. Yes, it was a problem then as well. In fact, one Holiday Season I want to say in 97 or 98 we had such a rash that the Superintendent actually did an All Call that lasted for several minutes on the topic.
From personal experience PO’s that take their life are usually the ones you least expect. Keep tabs on your friends and be a pillar of support for someone who is need. Life is precious, and people who spend their lives absorbing the pain of others are deserving of so much more.
Like Military Veterans, Police are Warriors too. There is a big push in the Vet community for Brothers/Sisters to check on each other; we need to do the same.
If You are struggling reach out to a friend, having someone’s back is much more than just going through a door in a stack. People care, You are loved.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Alice!
“Question for the older guy, maybe even retired guys... were there a lot of suicides back in the day? 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s? Just wondering if it was always like this with cops, or if it’s something that is a more recent trend.”
Just my humble opinion...
Coping skills by men (and women) were better/stronger “back then” for several reasons. A few thoughts come to mind:
A lot of the people newer to this job as well as those coming on currently, sadly, are from a generation of entitlement and instant gratification. Their feelings are easily hurt when anything and everything doesn’t quite go their way.
Many were raised with too much technology and not enough human interaction. One need not look too far to see how socially inept a lot of these newer generations are. Their conflict resolution skills are mediocre at best and the bullshit, feel-good curriculum taught at our illustrious academy is no surrogate for The School Of Hard Knocks... AKA real life.
Also, for many people coming on the job today, this will be their first “real” job; rude awakening when the reality of the responsibilities that accompany it interrupts video gaming, partying and chillin’. “Wait! I have to work MIDNIGHTS?!?! Like overnight, graveshift hours?!?! For realzzz” ????
I’ve got more thoughts on the subject, but time restrictions precludes me from sharing further.
Seek help if needed, folks. There ain’t no shame in it.
The leadership doesn't give a fuck only out for themselves,don't do shit if u can!
Eric was a great friend. I'm glad I got to work with him personally for years back in the old version of saturation teams in old area 2. And continued that friendship afterwards. Was a good PO who made his mark in 004 an came back as a Det. to work same area. Thank you for the great memories at work and socially. Gonna miss you brotha.
Way to frequent now, and how many did anyone have an idea they might do this? none! it is never someone you think may it seems to be always the person who was happy on the outside but obviously tortured on the inside! Wish there was some type of redlight that would go on,or indicator but all we can do is talk to each other, stop texting and the little girl social media bullshit,talk to each other.
Maybe take a copper out for lunch dinner,coffee, maybe talk to a retired copper how are they doing? Worked in 007 in the 80's at Christmas time for example when we actually had bosses that deserved respect we would go during Christmas week and stop by retired coppers homes especially if they were alone,or had a tragedy spouse or someone close died or were deteriorating health wise.
Can't wait to retire from this SHIT HOLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RIP brother in blue
RIP Brother
Old A/2 Saturation
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Eric was a great guy. He went out with friends a lot, vacations to Vegas and had fun at work. This is an example of someone who was happy on the outside but really hurting on the inside. Would’ve never thought he could do
Agreed, he was great guy and good friend. Spoke to him several times last week I would’ve never guessed this was coming. Terrible hope he’s at peace now. RIP Eric.
Eric was my childhood best friend. We grew up across the street from each other and we often mistaken for being brothers. Eric, I’ll miss you. You will always be my brother.
DC
We need new leadership at EAP.
If any business or company had this many suicides we all would have days off crying rooms and pstd comfort animals ...not more work more stress less time off... more stupid rules ...remember they really care about you ... watch your six. Be safe and god bless you no one looks out for us the police but us... the guy next to you and your family ...
Suicide is never just one reason. It is usually a culmination of different things. It starts off with one area of your life then it snowballs. For example a life changing event like divorce, illness, death or job related stresses....one starts the event and the other difficulties in your life just add-on to it. You then feel so much pain that you begin to feel hopeless. I can imagine that's how it starts. I can imagine that you may feel like you are the only one feeling this way....like you can't breathe or feel panicked. I am no expert...I just hope that if someone reads this and knows that they are not alone in feeling this way when life gets hard that its ok to feel an array of emotions. People go through all kinds of challenges and heartache. Don't be afraid to share. Get things off your chest. I feel awful for the family and friends that have to deal with the aftermath. Those are the people who will hurt for a very long time too. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I believe the only way it will substantially subside is finding a way to determine whether a person is suited to become a cop or a member of the military (maybe no one really is)
Nonetheless, both jobs are NOT for everyone.
3/11/2019 02:38:00 PM
No it actually will not subside that way. Getting coppers to understand that the problems they are experiencing are treatable, if they reach out for help. Doesn't matter if it's job related, personal, or financial, there is help, and the stigma of "weakness" is bullshit. What your statement basically says is that those who have committed suicide on this job, were not cut out for this job. It's comments like that, that cause cops to close up and hold the shit in, letting it fester instead of getting help. The tough guy crap is getting old. in my 22 yrs I have known some very good coppers, and very tough coppers, who have reached out and gotten help.
Eric, thank you for so many great memories. He was always up for a good time. Really going to miss you buddy.
3/12/2019 12:16:00 AM
Reach out and talk to someone about this. It will help.
They don't cal it "the Hellhole" for nothin....
He was a partner and a friend. I trusted him with my life for the better part of four years and bever knew the pain he was feeling. Im very sorry brother may the lord grant you the peace you were seeking. God willing well meet on the other side. Bobby
Suicide appears to be increasing nationally. Not limited to CPD. Many are not related to the job. Health, financial, domestic problems, etc are the majority of the causes
Scum Times today has 2 Obits to on 2 female athletes. George Foreman’s daughter and a US Olympic Cyclist 23 years old. It’s happening all over and doesn’t make sense. Maybe the complexity of the world
Join me on April 2nd, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Multi Purpose Room Police Headquarters for this presentation.
Stress, Wellness, & Humor
Presented by: Dr. Jeffrey Smith / Law Enforcement Wellness Instructor
In this session guests will learn how different types of stress cause you to be sick and full of anxiety. This session will assist individuals and help them understand what to do to become stress resilient. This will be an interesting, informative, upbeat, and entertaining session that will provide information on using humor as a way of eliminating stress.
Guests are encouraged to remain after for questions and conversation.
This session is open to all active, retired, family members of Law Enforcement, Fire Department, and EMS staff members. Suburban Departments and State Police are also welcome.
Please send me a PM or and Email to B10724@aol.com if you wish to attend. So I can have appropriate seating set up.
Miss you E. Wish he would have called one of his many friends that would have been there for him in a heartbeat. RIP E. You will be missed
believe the only way it will substantially subside is finding a way to determine whether a person is suited to become a cop or a member of the military (maybe no one really is)
Nonetheless, both jobs are NOT for everyone.
Are you suggesting this man wasn't suitable to be a police officer? If so keep such ignorant comments to yourself. The idea that anyone would come on to this thread and cast aspersions on a fellow officer who had recently died in these tragic circumstances.. For his friends and colleagues to see. Shameful. Think before you open your mouth.Tact and discretion are essential qualities for a cop. Maybe you aren't as suited to the job as you think you are.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
believe the only way it will substantially subside is finding a way to determine whether a person is suited to become a cop or a member of the military (maybe no one really is)
Nonetheless, both jobs are NOT for everyone.
Are you suggesting this man wasn't suitable to be a police officer? If so keep such ignorant comments to yourself. The idea that anyone would come on to this thread and cast aspersions on a fellow officer who had recently died in these tragic circumstances.. For his friends and colleagues to see. Shameful. Think before you open your mouth.Tact and discretion are essential qualities for a cop. Maybe you aren't as suited to the job as you think you are.
3/13/2019 02:09:00 PM
Don't ever presume anything posted here is by a fellow cop. Just saying.
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