Two female deputies from the same police force have reportedly committed suicide just days apart from each other in Texas.
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According to a report by the Daily Mail, two officers from the Houston County Sheriff's Office allegedly took their own lives within three days. Authorities reported Harris County Deputy Sheriff Christina Kohler, 37, missing on March 12. The
Texas Center for the Missing was looking for her and posted her description and last known whereabouts. The post also explicitly states, "Law enforcement believes her disappearance poses a credible threat to her own health and safety." She died on March 13. Investigators believe Kohler took her own life and are waiting for autopsy results as confirmation.Just three days later, former Harris County Deputy Sheriff Maria Vasquez, 42, who left the police force in December, reportedly committed suicide in Montgomery. Authorities have not released details about how the pair died or if the deaths may be related.
The Houston County Sheriff's Office (HCSO)
posted a tribute to the two former officers on Facebook, saying, 'Heaven has gained two beautiful angels.'"Deputy Christina Kohler and retired Deputy Maria Vasquez. May their memory be a blessing, inspiring strength and comfort to their friends, family, and coworkers during this challenging time."
The Deaths Highlight The Need For Mental Health Support For Police
Per a report by Click2Houston, Dr. Ron Acierno, the Director of the Trauma and Resilience Center at UTHealth Houston, explains that emergency services often neglect their mental health. "Much like the veteran community and the active-duty community, the idea is to tough it out. Or whether it's due to the fact that they just didn't know the help was available or didn't think it could help."
Dr Acierno explains that these events are sad because effective treatments are available. "They aren't fun. They aren't comfortable. They're very action-oriented. The focus is on changing what you do to change how you feel," he reportedly said.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of the HCSO confirmed in a statement that authorities were investigating the deaths of both deputies. He also explained that measures were in place to help mourning officers. "The Sheriff's Office Behavioral Health Division is offering mental health and peer support services to Deputy Kohler's colleagues as they grieve her tragic loss."
