A Chicago police officer died of an apparent suicide Saturday morning, the latest in a series of tragic losses for the department over the past few years.
The department “experienced the heartbreaking loss of one of our police officers to an apparent suicide,” Chicago police said in a statement.
The officer’s name has not been released.
“The officer’s family is forever changed, and we ask that you please hold the officer’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers, as they begin to process this tragedy,” the police department statement read.
Officials have not provided any additional information.
“My heart aches for the entire Chicago Police Department family who are grieving the loss of one of their own,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. “Every single day, officers risk their lives for our safety and we cannot take the demands placed on the men and women of our police force for granted. The Superintendent and I remain committed to ensuring that all officers have access to the supports and services they need to aid in their mental health and well-being.”
More than a dozen suicides have been reported in the CPD since 2018. A 2017 Justice Department report found CPD’s suicide rate was 60% higher than the nationwide average for officers.
The city provides counseling services to employees and their families through the Employee Assistance Program, which can be reached at (312) 743-0378.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers help around the clock for people in crisis at (800) 273-8255.
