It's OK to Not Be OK

Dealing with the loss of a colleague in the line of duty is an incredibly difficult experience. You do not have to "tough it out" or pretend everything is normal. Recognizing that it is OK to not be OK is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of self-awareness and professional integrity.

When a line-of-duty death occurs, the entire department experiences trauma. The grieving process is personal, and everyone deals with it differently. Our agency has many resources available, so you don't have to deal with it alone.

In the past, law enforcement culture often emphasized resilience and the suppression of emotion as survival mechanisms. However, as an agency, we have gotten better at recognizing that after a traumatic event like a line-of-duty death, Officers may experience long-term issues such as PTSD, burnout, and depression.

It is perfectly normal to experience anger, sadness, or numbness in response to the loss of our brother. If you are having trouble dealing with these feelings on your own, I want you to reach out to someone. If you need to talk, there are many people and resources available to help you.

Police Employee Assistance Program (PEAP): 702-828-3357

Wellness Bureau: 702-828-4582