Texas Suicide Crisis: Four Deputies Dead in Weeks

Why is the Texas deputy’s suicide Crisis happening now? Are there enough resources for deputies who need help?

Something troubling is happening in Texas, and it’s shaking up a community that’s used to staying strong.

In just six weeks, four deputies tied to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office have died by suicide. This isn’t just a number—it’s a signal that something needs attention, and fast.

What’s going on behind the badges? Why are these losses piling up? Let’s look at what we know and why it matters to everyone, not just those in uniform.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, one of the biggest in Texas, is dealing with a heavy blow. Between early February and mid-March 2025, four people—some still working as deputies, others who had recently left—took their own lives.

Their names were Christina Kohler, Maria Vasquez, William Bozeman, and Long Nguyen. Each story is different, but together, they point to a problem that’s bigger than any one person. It’s a problem that’s been quiet for too long.

Texas Deputies Suicide Crisis: The Human Side of the Uniform

These deputies weren’t just names on a list. Christina Kohler, 37, had been with the department since 2018, working in the courts division.

She went missing in early March, and on March 13, she was found dead. Just three days later, Maria Vasquez, who had retired in December 2024, also passed away by suicide.

Then there was William Bozeman, another former deputy, found dead around the same time. The first loss came earlier, on February 6, when Long Nguyen, 58, ended his life.

These were people with families, friends, and coworkers who are now left asking, “What could we have done?”

Law enforcement is a tough job. Deputies see things most of us don’t—accidents, violence, and heartbreak—sometimes every single day.

Experts say this can wear a person down. One study found that police officers are 54% more likely to die by suicide than people in other jobs.

That’s a big number, and it’s not just a statistic for the Harris County team—it’s a reality they’re living right now.

Why Is This Happening?

So, what’s causing this? There’s no simple answer, but a few things stand out. The job itself is stressful. Deputies deal with long hours, dangerous situations, and tough decisions.

On top of that, there’s a stigma—a kind of unwritten rule—that asking for help shows weakness.

Thomas McNeese, who leads the Behavioral Health Division at Harris County, said officers might see two big, upsetting events in a lifetime as regular citizens, but for deputies, it could happen in one shift. That’s a lot to carry.

The department isn’t ignoring this. They’ve got mental health programs and peer support in place. After these losses, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez shared his sadness and promised to keep helping deputies who are struggling.

But some wonder if it’s enough. Jose Lopez, a leader in the deputies’ organization, said these deaths hit hard because they were unexpected. “One is too many,” he told reporters. “Four? That’s devastating.”

What Can Be Done?

This isn’t just a Harris County problem—it’s something law enforcement faces everywhere. Across the U.S., people are starting to talk more about mental health for first responders.

In Texas, there’s a program called the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network, started in 2022, to give officers a safe place to talk. It’s trained hundreds of people to listen and help. Nationally, the FBI is even collecting data to understand how often this happens.

But change takes time. For now, the focus is on breaking the silence. McNeese hopes these tragedies push more deputies to reach out. “It’s okay to not be okay,” he said, “but you’ve got to do something about it.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, there’s help—like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. It’s free, it’s private, and it’s there 24/7.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is grieving, but they’re not alone. These four losses are a wake-up call.

The people who protect us need protection too—not just from danger on the streets, but from the battles in their minds.

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