Monday, September 23, 2019

Another

  • A retired Chicago police officer took his own life at his Chatham home Saturday, officials said.

    James Crawford, 61, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head about 7:40 p.m. at his home in the 8300 block of South Wabash Avenue, according to Chicago police and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. An autopsy Sunday ruled his death a suicide.
Lt. Crawford was a genuinely nice guy and will be missed. He had recently received some devastating health news that no doubt contributed to this decision. Prayers for his family, friends and co-workers.

Labels:

39 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Suicide is more common in the "elderly."
Reasons:
1. Poor health, social isolation, diminished financial resources
2. Fatalistic ideas: diagnosis of terminal condition OR chronic
condition hat must be treated with an extensive drug regimen
(sometimes with miserable side effects)
3. An idealogy that things are hopeless, can't get better, only
worse
4. Irrational thoughts that suicide is the most "rational" decision
thinking that they have lived the best years of their lives and that
death will come eventually. They "rationalize" that suicide is no
big deal. They do not consider the devastating emotional effects
on family and friends.

9/23/2019 12:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God Bless. Tough news. We will each have our chance to meet the finish line......

9/23/2019 12:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hypothetically, if Lt. was married(RIP)would his Other 1/2 receive anything? I’m asking because anyone who sported that CPD Blue Uniform knows something is past terrible is going on with Suicide on this Job.
30Apr01 and Suicide has been with The CPD in an alarming fashion.
SCC, wtf?! Our CPD Officers aren’t just falling prey to Suicide, but their Children certainly aren’t immune to this Prey.
My point is this.... When is The City, The Department, The FOP, and National FOP going to take action on Police Suicide? In addition, as mentioned earlier, The Officer’s Children fall Prey too.
We ALL Know Suicide is The Elephant in The R/C Room. It’s Old News.
A Challenge has been presented and somehow or someway issued to prevent what The City wants, Officer Suicide.
We NEED a Solution that makes Sense. This should be addressed in The Contract because it’s intensified since 30Apr01.

9/23/2019 12:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very nice man. Very sad

9/23/2019 12:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

so sad, very sorry

9/23/2019 12:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very tragic..... I recall working with him many years ago when he worked in Englewood as 770. One of the nicest guys around with endless potential. May he Rest In Peace ....... JB

9/23/2019 01:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Was an AWESOME MAN!! Very religious and caring family man and for the cops he supervised! He was a VRI LT. And was so easy going he cud have reached out to anyone. Senseless waste.

9/23/2019 03:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Suicide rates in chicago are 60 some odd percent higher than the national average. The cities solution? Making salary workers swipe in and canceling all their days off in the summer.

Fuck chicago.

9/23/2019 06:00:00 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This is a devastating loss to our church, where we knew him as Reverend Crawford. We pray for his wife, children, and all who knew and loved him. We also pray for first responders everywhere. May his tragic end bring about positive changes related to mental health awareness.
Laura Jones

9/23/2019 06:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RIP so very sad Prayers to his family both blue and blood and prayers to his friends.

Depression hits at any time. Not seeing a way out is so hard, but you will overcome. Walk a few minutes outside, stay close to God, read happy ending stories, turn off the news, listen/watch uplifting, take a drive, read your bible, especially the psalms, watch/read something funny, or simply sleep if possible.

This too shall pass, no matter how bad.

Just listened to something about planning for depression. It hits everyone and is simply a function of how long it lasts. To prepare, keep a short list of things to do and only do the quick easy ones. (like take a shower, make the bed, put on clean clothes, etc) I'm going to try it. ONLY EAT ORGANIC FOOD AND DRINK FILTERED WATER. Add chlorella to your diet. DO NOT eat anything with an unpronouncable word in it. That's poisoning your body which poisons your mind.

If some dr tells you that your clock is running out, laugh at it and remember, you're on God's time clock, then find any good homeopathic and chiropractic dr. Heal your gut and heal your mind.

All extremely hard to do in the depression, whilst facing death's battlefield.


God bless our blue and those who support, love and protect them. Remember, we all back you. We're NOT fake news.

9/23/2019 06:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We never know what may happen may almighty God accept this man into heaven into his kingdom, prayers for his family what a great man.

9/23/2019 07:08:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One of the best supervisors that I have worked under. Always had time for his officers. Very fair in his decision making regarding the troops. I hope that he is at peace. It sucks that he only enjoyed retirement for 4 months after 29 years of service.

9/23/2019 07:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I always remembered him as a very good and understanding boss. May he rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him.

9/23/2019 07:28:00 AM  
Blogger The Keesing Bandit said...

That's too bad. I heard onky good things about him. May be find peace now.

9/23/2019 07:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SAD...
RIP our Brother

9/23/2019 07:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Worked with him when he was the school sgt in 007. He never even raised his voice and that's saying a lot working in 007 during school dismissal. God bless..fellow Englewood ranger.

9/23/2019 08:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Payers for him and his family. I didn't know him but he sounds like he was a good guy.

WTF is Johnson doing about this shit? Other then waiting for some fat retirement ghost job to open up for him?

9/23/2019 08:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If there is anything that keeps me motivated to stay positive is the footage I’ve seen of Antifa taunting officers about killings themselves. It is really disgusting , F them. Stay positive officers, there is always someone there to help you no matter the situation,

9/23/2019 09:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

truth is there are a lot of retired coppers suicides that do not make the news. I know personally. Never made the news. God Bless, Office, rest in peace.

9/23/2019 09:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RIP sir.

9/23/2019 11:08:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When he spoke to you, he also listened. Which is rare with supervisors within this department. Definitely, a genuine nice person. God speed Sir.

9/23/2019 11:17:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let's be truthful fearless leaders and elected officials of Chicago and Illinois...... Admit that you leaders have some fault in creating a atmosphere and culture where officers have to hide stress and not talk about what is making them emotionally exhausted. Admit some fault Leaders.



Please leaders do something. The consent decree is about the community officers serve but what about the part you claim is for OFFICER WELLNESS?

I thought the Decree was a good faith effort yet to be seen to help officer WELLNESS. The city needs to treat its officers better. The leaders need to be woke. Actions speak louder then Words you FEARLESS LEADERS AND ELECTED OFFICALS.

Start with terminating City officials who leak false stories to mediate shame coppers. Start making examples of the LEADERS not of the back of hard working officers who put their own lives in danger every day.

Officer every day risk their own lives everyday doing police duties and somehow the leaders threw that out the window and totally DISREGARD that fact. Sick

9/23/2019 11:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

rest in peace Lt James Crawford so sad to see it, Let it Go This Way....may the angels all saints and all of the lights lift your spirit and soul into the heavens....God Bless James Crawford....retiree formerly worked for and on the 2nd watch at District Central...

9/23/2019 12:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RIP.

9/23/2019 01:11:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That’s such horrible news, that is the problem with any public safety job, I am now in emergency management and do not volunteer for extra shifts or ot at all. I do not allow the job to become my life.

Sympathy and best wishes to the officer’s family and former partners including those still on the job. You all be safe, and do not let the job consume you.

9/23/2019 02:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let me pull your coattails here.

If you think THIS police department is EVER going to adequately attempt to
do anything proactive, intelligent or meaningful on police suicides then you’re
either one of the young believers on this job or you’re retired and on that cray
cray cannabis.

This police department could give two tiny dookies about you, your wellbeing,
your family. There are SOME specific individuals WITHIN the police department who are
the highest quality who absolutely do care and will do whatever they can to help you but
they don’t run this department, they don’t create policy, create general orders etc.
The merit promoted self serving garbage that fill the exempt class worry about their side pieces,
kids on the job, whose ass they gotta kiss, their sponsors on this job.
Our union only PRETENDS to put up a fight with the city but just sell us out like the little
bitches they are so that 10-15 years down the line their kid, niece, nephew makes sergeant. It’s been that way since this union lodge began.

“But, What’s in it for ME?”

We only have one another. If we are so lucky.
We only have our families. If we are so lucky.
Watch out for each other.
Stay close with those coppers you care about.
Pay attention to those subtle changes.
Don’t take, “Everything’s fine.”, for an answer
when your gut tells you something’s wrong.
Take the time to spend some time together.
Find out what’s going on beneath the surface.





Anonymous Anonymous said...
Hypothetically, if Lt. was married(RIP)would his Other 1/2 receive anything? I’m asking because anyone who sported that CPD Blue Uniform knows something is past terrible is going on with Suicide on this Job.
30Apr01 and Suicide has been with The CPD in an alarming fashion.
SCC, wtf?! Our CPD Officers aren’t just falling prey to Suicide, but their Children certainly aren’t immune to this Prey.
My point is this.... When is The City, The Department, The FOP, and National FOP going to take action on Police Suicide? In addition, as mentioned earlier, The Officer’s Children fall Prey too.
We ALL Know Suicide is The Elephant in The R/C Room. It’s Old News.
A Challenge has been presented and somehow or someway issued to prevent what The City wants, Officer Suicide.
We NEED a Solution that makes Sense. This should be addressed in The Contract because it’s intensified since 30Apr01.

9/23/2019 12:51:00 AM

9/23/2019 02:35:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RIP Lt.; you are missed by many. May you have found that peace denied you in life.

Please officers (and everybody reading) talk to somebody before you take your own life. We know life is hard enough, and it isn't fair, and doing the job you've done also takes a toll. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 24/7/365. Or use your agency's Employee Assistance Program if you have one. Talk to somebody in your life before you take yours.

9/23/2019 03:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So very sorry to hear. Prayers for the Officer and all who loved him.

I have lost loved ones to suicide. For those of us who have, we have to learn how to live with unanswerable questions.

For those contemplating suicide, PLEASE ask for help! If not for your own sake, then for the sake of your family and friends. Children who lose a parent to suicide are THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY to commit suicide themselves (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/children_who_lose_a_parent_to_suicide_more_likely_to_die_the_same_way).

Help is available. Yoi're worth it. And so are they.



9/23/2019 03:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is a real shame that the CPD doesn't have a club or group that meets frequently and or people who dont look into retirees every now and then. Many retirees feel isolated and alone, some have kids who live out of town and or widowed. Being retired can really put a load on some. Rest in peace Lt. Crawford.

9/23/2019 03:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What health news would make one do this? Horrible that this happened

9/23/2019 04:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

3:36 and anyone else in that situation please, please look into NAMI. They have groups that help each other with their relatives suicides!!!

9/23/2019 09:04:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Collected a total of three pension checks.

9/23/2019 09:48:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What health news would make one do this? Horrible that this happened

9/23/2019 04:03:00 PM

Colon cancer might do it. I saw a guy in his late 60's go from asymptomatic to dead in just 90 days.

Get a colonoscopy. It is not as bad as you think. Yeah, the prep isn't too much fun. Keep the Ipad handy, because you'll spend a lot of time on the throne.

But after the operation, you'll be hungry, so go to Gibson's and treat yourself to a nice steak :)

Despite what they say, have a few cocktails or some wine if you like. Just take it easy because your resistance to alcohol will be about half of what it usually is. Then plan on taking a long nap in the afternoon. The next day, you'll be just fine.



9/23/2019 09:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What health news would make one do this? Horrible that this happened

This is one of those times when you don't truly know someone's pain and anguish about a medical diagnosis until you or a loved one has been in that position. I wonder too if this mentality is what keeps people from expressing themselves and their intentions, especially if they feel that they're going to be judged for the way they choose to carry out their life. You're right, this is a horrible outcome. But it's an outcome that will keep occurring if we keep distancing ourselves from the possibilities of what others may be going through

9/23/2019 09:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God bless.

9/23/2019 11:04:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There's plenty of health news that could make a logical and sensible person take this step.

9/24/2019 12:37:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

this is why you folks out there consumed about "maxing out" should get out while the getting is good. Staying all of that time, only to find out post-retirement that you have a terminal illness? Life is short. Get out when you CAN leave, and do something else, something hopefully that has nothing to do with LE.

9/24/2019 04:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Once again...my heart is broken.
Prayers for his family and friends.

Signed,
Mom of a cop
🖤💙🖤

9/24/2019 04:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whether this wa the Crawford who was in the academy in thr 90's or not, RIP. I almost pulled the trigger about 6 months ago. I understand. Go easy Sir., may God welcome you home.

9/24/2019 09:26:00 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home

Newer Posts.......................... ..........................Older Posts