What we know after four deputies from Texas police department die by taking their own lives in six weeks

What is the HSCO offering in terms of mental health aid?

Long Nguyen reportedly died on February 26 (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)

Following the deaths of its four past and present officers, the HSCO – the largest sheriff’s office in Texas – is offering ‘mental health and peer support services to Deputy Kohler’s colleagues as they grieve her tragic loss’.

“The Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the community’s prayers and support, and we offer our deepest sympathies to Deputy Kohler’s family,” they added.

HCSO Constable Sherman Eagleton has also asked that any ‘struggling’ first responders ‘reach out to someone’.

“You are needed and you matter, even when you feel your lowest,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Our brothers and sisters in blue, take care of each other. Don’t carry the burden alone, your family is here for you.”

Meanwhile, Harris County Deputies Organization President Jose Lopez has said that he and his fellow officers are currently aware of the seriousness of the situation.

McNeese said the suicides in recent weeks have placed a strain on the entire office, sparking conversations about how to improve the agency’s behavioral health division.

“Something like this has ripple effects you don’t realize for years,” he said, adding that he believed the division is ‘too small’.

However, he hoped the service can still play some part in ‘destigmatizing’ mental health.

“The hope is to destigmatize it by having us around,” he said. “They know you’re not there trying to take away their badge. In fact, we’re their advocate.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.