For one police chief in a small western Illinois town, policing is a family affair.
“My parents taught us that you have to help people,” David said. “(Policing) is something different to do everyday.”
David followed in his older brother’s footsteps into law enforcement.
“He was a great leader. He was my best friend,” David said.
The Ruderman Family Foundation conducted a nationwide study that resulted in that troubling conclusion. Christian Farr reports.(Published Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019)
After 30 years of service, David’s brother – a suburban sheriff’s deputy – took his own life last July. David requested NBC 5 Investigates to withhold his brother’s name and department for privacy reasons.
“The day before, I sent him a text message, ‘Hey, I love you, just checking in. Hope you have a great Thursday.’ He said, ‘having a fantastic day,’” David said. “I have no clue (what triggered this) because he was happy.”
When it comes to suicide, there is often little closure and few answers for loved ones. But an unprecedented mental health survey may shed some light into suicides within the law enforcement community, which continues to rise.
