Four deputies from same department died by suicide 6 weeks apart

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Texas is reeling after four deputies died by suicide within just six weeks, leaving colleagues and the wider community devastated.

On March 19, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced on Facebook that retired deputy William Bozeman had died by apparent suicide, marking the third loss in a week. In reality, he was the fourth connected to the department in a month and a half.

Earlier in March, Deputy Christina Kohler, 37, and retired Deputy Maria Vasquez, 42, both died by suicide just days apart. The department honored them on social media, calling them “two beautiful angels” whose memory would bring strength to family, friends, and coworkers.

The first loss came on February 6, when 58-year-old former deputy Nguyen died by suicide. Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, said he had known Nguyen and others personally for decades, describing the cluster of tragedies as “devastating.” He urged officers to look out for one another, stressing how fragile life can be.

Nationally, suicide among law enforcement is a growing concern. Between 2016 and 2022, at least 1,287 public safety officers died by suicide, though experts believe the true figure is higher due to underreporting. Studies show officers face a 54% higher risk than other professions, largely due to repeated exposure to trauma.

Thomas McNeese, who leads the HCSO wellness program, said the toll of the profession is cumulative, comparing the wave of suicides to “a bomb going off.”

Sheriff Gonzalez admitted the losses have caused deep reflection, saying each death leaves him wondering what more could have been done. Leaders across the department are now questioning how to expand mental health support to prevent future tragedies.