State Bill Would Include Suicide in First Responder Line-of-Duty Deaths

New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a bill that would include suicide in the definition of "killed in the line of duty," extending benefits to the families of first responders.

Members of the law enforcement community said suicide is an issue that is sometimes overlooked or not widely discussed.

"We know what we're getting into when we take the oath and when we go to training, but you don't realize the effects that it has on you, and you don't realize that for some time," said Manchester police Officer Justin Breton.

"They may live with the pain for quite some time, but ultimately to me, they would be succumbing to the injury they sustained in the field while active, so that's the intention of this," said bill sponsor state Rep. Daryl Abbas, R-District 8.

Experts said putting numbers to the problem are difficult, but law enforcement officials said that in 2019, 228 law enforcement officers nationwide died by suicide, compared to 134 who were killed in the line of duty.

In 2018, eight law enforcement officers in New Hampshire killed themselves, officials said.

Several people testified Tuesday about the strides that have already been made in providing mental health help to police, fire and other first responders to help them avoid a mental health crisis.

But mental health advocate Ken Norton said there is still a stigma attached to asking for help in the first responder community, and that can lead to tragedy.

"It's often kept quiet, and there's still considerable resistance and/or fear on behalf of first responders to come forward and say they're having problems or concerns or whatever," Norton said.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or go online for live, confidential chat.

By Andy Hershberger | Published by WMUR 9 | Read the article