Four deputies linked to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office died by suicide within six weeks of each other, igniting conversations around mental health.
The heartbreaking timeline began on February 6, when 58-year-old former deputy Long Nguyen died by suicide.
On February 26, retired deputy William Bozeman was found dead under similar circumstances.
Just weeks later, on March 13, 37-year-old Deputy Christina Kohler, who had been missing since March 12, was found dead.
Her death was ruled a suicide on March 20. Kohler joined the HCSO in 2018 and most recently served in the courts division.
Then, on March 16, 42-year-old Maria Vasquez, who had left the department in December 2024, was also found dead in her home in Houston. Her death was confirmed as another suicide.
The deaths have devastated the department and the wider Houston-area law enforcement community.
“It hits very close to home,” said Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies Organization, via The Mirror.
“It’s a reminder to us how fragile life is, and it’s also a reminder we do need to look out for each other. We do need to take care of each other.”
He added: “One is too many. Two? Three? Yes, it’s definitely devastating.”
In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, HCSO’s Community Engagement Division memorialized Kohler and Vasquez: "Heaven has gained two beautiful angels. May their memory be a blessing, inspiring strength and comfort to their friends, family and coworkers during this challenging time.”
Constable Mark Herman echoed the sentiment: “Her name, her life, absolutely deserves to be remembered for her commitment to our profession.”
Dr. Thomas McNeese, director of the HCSO Behavioral Health Division, described the last few weeks as “deeply painful” for the department.
“These tragedies serve as a somber reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being for our staff,” McNeese said in a statement to PEOPLE.
“This profession, unfortunately, takes a toll on people,” McNeee told KHOU. “And, over time, the longer you're in it, the more of a toll it takes, and it changes people.”
He added: “It’s a combination of what they see on the job and what the job entails… It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to not do something about it. You don’t want to stay stuck there.”
The HCSO’s Behavioral Health Division was launched in 2020 and is the first of its kind. Staffed with peer-support deputies, it offers crisis intervention, wellness programs, and mental health resources.
McNeese said the division’s small size limits its reach, but its presence can still help “destigmatize” seeking help.
“They know you’re not there trying to take away their badge. In fact, we’re their advocate,” he explained. “We believe that consistency, trust, and tailored resources are key in cultivating a culture that truly values the well-being of our law enforcement family.”
The tragedy has inspired other officials to speak out, including Constable Sherman Eagleton.
In a Facebook post, he urged struggling first responders: “Reach out to someone. You are needed and you matter, even when you feel your lowest… Don’t carry the burden alone. Your family is here for you.”
Houston Police Officers’ Union President Douglas Griffith added that law enforcement officers are 54 percent more likely to die by suicide than members of the general public.
And the statistics are harrowing.
A 2023 report by the US Fire Administration revealed that first responders make up one percent of all suicides in the U.S., with 58 percent of those being law enforcement officers.
Between 2016 and 2022 alone, 1,287 law enforcement and corrections officers took their own lives, according to a paper obtained by ABC News.
Dr. Ron Acierno, director of the Trauma and Resilience Center at UTHealth Houston, said cultural norms in law enforcement often discourage asking for help.
“Much like the veteran community and the active-duty community, the idea is to tough it out,” he told Click 2 Houston. “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.”
But support systems do exist—and they work.
“We do have effective treatments,” Acierno said. “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.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Additionally, you can text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Speaking to somebody will always help.