Pasco Sheriff's Office mourns the death of deputy who committed suicide
TAMPA (WFLA) - The Pasco Sheriff's Office held a press conference this afternoon regarding the recent passing of Pasco Sheriff's deputy.
April Rodriguez who worked for the department for four years committed suicide this weekend. She is the fifth first responder suicide in the Tampa Bay Area in recent months.
Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco says Rodriguez leaves behind a husband and three children.
We ask for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Out of respect, our social media feeds will be quiet until later today, we appreciate your understanding. (2/2)
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) February 25, 2019
Multiple Tampa Bay area first responders have taken their own lives over the last few months, including a Highlands County deputy, and a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Sadly, suicide claims more first responders than line of duty deaths.
According to a study done by the Ruderman Foundation, in 2017, 93 firefighters died in the line of duty and at least 103 firefighters took their own lives. A total of 129 police officers died in the line of duty and 140 committed suicide.
If you're thinking about suicide or worried about someone who might be, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a local crisis center. You can also text the Crisis Text Line by messaging 741741. Police officers can text the word BLUE.
https://www.wfla.com/news/pasco-county/pasco-sheriff-s-office-holding-a-press-conference-on-recent-suicide/1808733605