RIP Sgt
A retired sergeant from 019 committed suicide yesterday. The stresses of the job don't always leave when you do. Some do, but without an appropriate support network, sometimes the demons catch up.
Many Districts have monthly retiree breakfasts. Showing up at a couple Cake-and-Coffee events or promotion parties or welcoming another retiree to the other side of employment are a way to keep in touch with those who were a part of your life for many decades.
Watch out for yourselves, watch out for your co-workers, watch out for those who have left the day-to-day BS behind but still might struggle with things.
Labels: officer injured
posted by SCC at 12:04 AM
82 Comments:
Just retired in August 2024. So sad.
Put these numbers in your phone. Right now. If not for you, for someone else.
9-8-8 On your cellphone. https://988lifeline.org/
1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-267-5463 https://www.copline.org/
No marriage is worth taking your life, especially if you have kids.
What the hell is going on? For the past several years we are losing 1 officer per month on average to suicide. I guess getting treated like a doormat doesn't end with retirement for some. RIP old Sarge. See in that great coffee shop in the sky...
When you retire, you definitely notice the phone rings much less. Take on New hobbies. Quit drinking. Get a part time side job. Get that muscle car, you always wanted.
RIP Sir....
The Dept claims to be huge on mental health now, yet C0PA is permitted to run wild and attempt to ruin the lives of officers while Lawrence serves up platitudes of soft objections.
Fk him and Fk C0PA.
Please…..
Go to church, eat healthy, exercise, don’t smoke, and don’t drink.
As longtime residents of 019, my wife and I offer the Officer's family, friends, and colleagues our deepest condolences.
As the grandson, nephew, brother, uncle, and friends of LEOs, we know a little of the extraordinary responsibilities, pressures, and (inexcusably) ingratitude to which you are exposed every day. Each of you are in our daily prayers.
We are so sorry for this profound loss.
That's sad.
Such terrible news. Isn't this like the 3rd suicide in the last few weeks?
Exactly!
Don't make this job and the people in it your life, you will struggle in retirement if you do.
I retired from the military after 21 years and the first couple of years was rough, all the stuff that I was able to ignore because of mission and deployments had a whole lot of headroom to run around in. Get help so you can enjoy that retirement!
He was a good guy and was battling his demons. Sometimes the pain is too much to bear.
Retiring and living well is the best revenge. Don't reject the pension plan...
This had nothing to do with drinking.
So, what is the average number of retirement checks collected before one passes away?
Nice sentiments, SCC, but the reality as a retiree is this: within a year of being gone you are basically forgotten, it's as if you've never been a part of the department, that in most cases you've spent over 20 years at, with a lot of younger officers treating you with indifference. Your close friends are your friends, but you realize a lot that you thought were your friends are actually just work associates, and the thin blue line is actually much thinner than expected. God bless Sgt. RY.
Absolutely agree. I tell people about 5 years before you plan on pulling the plug,line something up.
Find something you love to do, or something profitable, by the time you leave, it will keep you busy if you want.
Find a house in the country, a condo in Florida.
Keep buzy!
Since that POS Dart took over jail suicide rate went up 10-fold with officers and inmates. RIP SGT
Exactly!!! Get a HOBBY.....
Commander A. Watson is not getting along with hardly anyone in the Area One Detective Division including her Lt’s. It’s a peaceful day when she’s away.
Living in Chicago, Cook county, Illinois and working for CPD does have it's moments of hopelessness...My personal faith in G-d and his son Jesus Christ have sustained me through it all. This is a very broken world people...
This is 100% correct, many who called don't because you cannot do anything for them anymore! Retired from O'Hare noticed how quickly my "friends" who I helped through the line,and with parking etc..they don't call and if I call them asking for a favor they either don't answer or say, "Sorry busy!"
Agree. Hope that wasn’t the cause. Just retired terrible. Worked his whole life to retire and enjoy the rest of his life
Seems a lot of the suicides are after retirement. That should take the job out of the equation. You beat it and all those worries should be gone
may he RIP
RIP Sgt. . Peace to you and family.
How true the above post is. The day after you retire you are worthless to most coppers no matter your rank.The phone stops because you can't do anything for them anymore.The thin blue line gets thinner because there is no quid pro quo. I still have a group that I am close with, but unfortunately it is getting smaller as many are passing on (Nam era Vets). Know very few OTJ. The names I see must be the guys I worked with kids.
I got no new hobbies or a part time gig, as my plate is pretty full trying to catch up on all the shit I missed over the years with the family and house.
Caught up on some medical issues- thanks Medicare. Had the 60's muscle car a while, didn't stop drinking, and enjoy relaxing with a gummy, or 3 fingers in a glass with 1 ice cube.Nice to just pick up and go wherever without having to worry if my time got approved.
Probably not the best path to follow, but it has worked for me so far over the years.
It's another life on this side.
Be Safe all and at the least back each other up.
who was the sgt im retired but new allot them they were all decent sgt
I say eat, drink & be merry.
And off topic but a need to know. SSA claiming it will be more than a year before any adjustments/back pay begins to show up.
Sgt, be a peace, you earned it
My dream is being fired then I can finally move on from this shit
Yes, get a hobby you are passionate about to occupy your time and mind. Police lifestyle is not a hobby or fulfilling. When you leave the job nobody gives a shit about you.
rip sgt i wish i could had talked to you
Godspeed, Sarge…
As a fellow police officer I have also struggled with deep depression to the point of wanting to un alive myself. I then finally gave Jesus Christ a chance, purchased a Bible read it and it changed my life completely!! Guys truly give god a chance get yourself a Bible or listen to the Bible on an app it’s the free gift of life. It will bring your sip so much joy!!! And you will leave dangerous vices and addictions!
I retired in 2023. I wasn’t one of those people whose whole identity was on being the police, so I thought. I thought everything will just fall into place, I’ll lose the 50lbs I gained, I’ll sleep like a baby, I’ll explore all the hobbies I wanted, I’ll have a better social life. It hasn’t been that simple. I realized how far I let so many aspects of my life slip bc all I did was work. I realized how much different we as police for 30 odd years think. I realized how lonely I was,how much I had let my house chores slide, and how I had no motivation for living. It’s been slow, but gradually I started chipping away at the things I’m unhappy about. For anyone out there struggling- it takes awhile to create a new normal for many of us. Don’t give up and don’t succumb to easy things like drinking, drugs, mindless shopping, wasting money in a casino or scrolling the internet.Take long walks, volunteer somewhere you feel connected, find spirituality. Find a job even if just for the structure, but don’t let it become a grind. Quit it if it takes away from your quality of life. It won’t happen overnight and you have to be willing to be mindful of your behaviors. But for God’s sake, don’t flush a pension you worked 30 years to get down the toilet.
Six
Per FOP website No seargants from 019 retired in August 2024
I had a business and assholes like meeler and barnass fucked with my days off. Eat shit you 2
I think of the human decimation, the inhumanities to other humans, the acts of violence, the images of human carnage, the neglect of family especially children, substance additions, too name a few things that was encountered on a regular basis. Its repressed and rears its ugly head as triggers bring these thoughts to the forefront. This stuff takes its toll. Couple that with problems at home and this is a volatile mix.
I’m still in contact with six or seven people I worked with. Instead of stopping for beers, it’s meeting for breakfast. 14 years went by real fast, but it’s been 14 years of victory, away from the nonsense. I go to a lot of the wakes and try to do the masses. It’s funny being at a funeral for a work colleague and no one is there. I go for the man or woman’s family.
It’s a real kick in the teeth looking at the FOP magazine. Not knowing any of the new retirees, then looking at the departed and knowing more than a few. Circle of life. I miss the good people and times, but everyday I get up is a win. I made up for not being involved with my religion, and more than one family relationship even though they will always be liberal democrats.
Keep going pray for those still on the job, find peace with a God or other being, let the bullshit go, if your depressed get rid of the guns, you got by with out them before the job, call the dept up if you need help, you got to get back at them by collecting as long as you can..
You know that book they gave you, free at CIT or Wellness training or some other class, can't really remember because I too threw it on a shelf or in a bin somewhere and never bothered to read it...until now, I recommend you all find and read it, EMOTIONAL SURVIVAL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT by Kevin M Gilmartin. A veteran of many years, even decades I can see the finish line and am almost there, unfortunately in getting here I was faced last month with the stark reality that I may be traveling that rode alone, losing a loving wife of 20+ years, if somehow I didn't rescue us. The real problem I have learned (probably knew, just wouldn't admit) is that I never rescued myself first. I have been emotionally damaged by this career and Dept, which has negatively affected my relationships. The truth of it is, I saw it coming years ago, even felt it, those early days on the job anxiouxs in telling police stories slowly evolved into forcing the conversation somewhere else to avoid any word of CPD, or the smothering I feel of compassion fatigue because of years of witnessing trauma, and ultimately the emotional unavailabilty that developed and made me a shell of a man while at home. Hypervigilance is for real and the book dives into it, and those who have worked the streets for years will relate 100%. I know I have. In the meantime, I'm happy I decided to finally read it giving me the chance to save myself and my marriage.
Great advice being given here on this thread by other retirees.
Don't ever kill yourself over a wife/significant other leaving you.
They did you a favor...why toture yourself living with and taking
care of someone who is miserable being there with you?
Move forward...not back. There are lots of people out there
looking to meet you! Get back in the game, and make an
effort to ENJOY LIFE, you've earned it! Plan out some trips
to countries you've always wanted to see....get a PT job to
get you out of the house...begin working out again. Get
yourself healthy. You'll feel better about yourself, and others
will see that in you as well.
Good luck! Enjoy your retirement!
Been retired 25 years, Secret: Move to Florida or a place you like to vacation at, Stop drinking, get a hobby and most of all find a church family and get involved! God Bless!
It's hard to get old without a cause. Get yourself a cause to live for.
5:04
I believe that the FOP only lists FOP members
That have passed. Check Retired Chicago Police
Association for a complete listing.
It was 18, but now it’s 6.
Excellent post & TRUE!
Amen Brother or Sister. I retired in 2022 with 33 years on. I made sure before I was gone I had the city pay for my bachelors and Masters. I had a part time side gig (Not Police related) set up. It sounds great saying I don't have to do anything ever again but the reality is you are so used to working, especially most of us who had side jobs along with CPD, it can be a shock to the system. Work a little and settle in. Find a hobby if you don't have one, and enjoy never ever having to work a holiday ever again and you can spend it with friends and family.
Taking care of yourselves guys, no matter what life throws at you, you will overcome it. Suicide is not the answer, becoming closer to Jesus was the best decision I made. I pray and I thank him each day for giving me a chance to wake up each day. This job is very toxic but have faith and Jesus will deliver you, I promise you on that.
cause she didn’t earn it the starks and the rest it’s disgusting- medical abusing merit hacks
Seek the Lord
God bless you !
Amen.
he didn't kill himself over a divorce, don't spread misinformation. Terrible and chronic pain will make anyone want to end there life.
rest in peace, you are greatly missed
How sad this is. The stress and hatred for the cops is digusting. Bless his precious heart.
Whew, are you trying to talk us down not suicide?
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Harley Schinker died last month of natural causes. The former 8th District Commander and Dept. Supt. when asked why he screwed over so many coppers answered that ‘Every Police Superintendent needs a hammer.’ Whatever you do, don’t let the bad bosses get you down.
If it was about the job, the job ain't worth it. Don't let the job define you.
"Per FOP website No seargants from 019 retired in August 2024"...does that really fucking matter?
How so ?
You think somebody is making that up?
Sergeants aren't necessarily members of the FOP. Their union is the PBPA.
Now go outside and play until dinnertime.
Watch out for one another. Retired or not, please reach out for help. God speed Sergeant. (46 years OTJ retired)
I think a lot of us forget how to love ourselves because we are out there doing for everybody else! I have always had a super supportive family and good friends. I have been very lucky but I sometimes lost sight of myself and who I was. It took a lot of purposeful introspection to see myself and know I’m good , I’m ok being the person God made me. I forgot to take care of me so the things I did mattered. Faith in God means faith in me and all that I am. It’s not selfish to put yourself first, it’s the only way your best self can do your best for others and those you love. I just retired and everybody was like oh do you have a job lined up etc. I said no it’s time for me and my loved ones that I’ve neglected alll these years serving others who probably don’t even care. My life is mine now to live how I choose and see all the beauty it has to offer. For all you young officers remember it’s just a job, take care of yourselves and your family. I always tell people , I’m surprised I’m not on medication…. The things I’ve seen and had to handle on this job are traumatizing let alone the political bull crap. Everyone stay safe and never be afraid to ask for help, find that judgement free zone and choose life! RIP sarge, your in Gods good hands now.
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Praying for you, your wife, and for many happy years together in your renewed (and better) relationship.
He may not have been a member. Once you get promoted you are in the PBPA and you have to pay on your own to remain in the FOP
Considering the gravity of the above topic, I am left finding some of your responses insensitive and harsh. And you "know it all's" very likely know nothing about why this happened...your own personal struggles are apparent in some of your responses. I hope that you can see that, and get help yourselves. If any good can come from a tragedy like this, it may be that it causes us to turn the spotlight in on our selves and learn something about our cynical nature.
I join my brother and sisters who left many positive and thoughtful comments above, in offering my sincere condolences to the Sergeant's family. We often hear the term "Blue Lives Matter," but for those now developing or suffering the illness having the initial thoughts of despair, we need to send them the reminder, "Your Life Matters" and help is available. 'Hold On!' My prayers remain with 'all' my fellow LEO's and first responders.
Bullshit, you are saying that the average retirees only lives 6 months past retirement
Six and eighteen is a ridiculous answer. That’s from 40 years ago. So you think the average retiree lives 6 months to a year and a half. Retirees are living so much longer and that is one of the reason the pension is in trouble
An old Sgt told me when I came on not to dismiss your old friends and neighbors and it was the best advice ever. The said add the new CPD friends. I took his advice and am now retired over 15 years and as commented on in earlier posts the phone calls start disappearing but I still have my core group of CPD but the calls are falling off but I still have my neighbors and people I have met off the job. It’s a job and I enjoyed it but there is life after the job
Sorry had a few typos I meant to say “LIFE” not “sip” . But thank you for your wonderful feedback! All praise to the almighty GOD ! 🙏🏼
Treat other's how you want to be treated...So much disrespect...We're all humans
My idea for the mental health of retirees would be to have a guest roll call in a unit they most identify with. Have the retiree come up to the podium and conduct roll call and perhaps tell a war storyl. This would show them the respect they need as some newbies forget to show respect to senior officers not realizing that as you work the job, on the street that is, you encounter messed up situations that newer officers can learn from those experiences.
I’m sorry to hear he died of natural causes. It should have been something excruciatingly painful.
Great post!
When I first read the above comment, I wasn't sure what to think. But, after a few minutes, I thought that it wasn't a bad idea. My last five years on the job I would go to the training division and speak about gun trafficking. I would always start my presentation with "How many of you joined CPD to go to jail". After a few puzzled looks, I would talk about police alleged corruption that I observed up close in my career. The Marquette Ten, Graylord, and the Gang Specialist JM who was arrested by the Feds for assisting known gang members in Cocaine trafficking. I think that had the biggest impression on the recruits. 77-3A enjoying retirement.
Yeah, he was in constant pain. Saw many doctors. Couldn't figure out the cause of it. It became too much. I feel horrible as I was sort of helping him find a solution. I missed talking to him for a little bit and found out the morning of. He was a great guy who would go out of his way to help you. He will be missed.
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