Christina Kohler, Maria Vasquez, William Bozeman and Long Nguyen have all died within a matter of weeks
Caution: This article talks about suicide, which might be upsetting for some readers.
In the past six weeks, four deputies from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) have tragically taken their own lives, leading to important discussions about mental health.
According to a 2023 report by the US Fire Administration, first responders accounted for one percent of all suicides in the US from 2015 to 2017, with 58 percent of those being law enforcement officers (LEOs).
Additionally, a report from ABC News in 2024 revealed that a shocking 1,287 LEOs and correction officers ended their lives between 2016 and 2022.
Of these tragic losses, over half (51 percent) were officers from local police departments, while 20 percent were from sheriff’s offices.
In just the last month, four more LEOs have sadly added to these statistics.
Here’s what we know about their deaths and how the Houston-based HCSO is providing mental health support to the officers who remain.
HCSO Deputy Christina Kohler died a day after being reported missing
Christina Kohler joined the office in 2018 (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
On March 13, a CLEAR Alert was issued in the Houston area for Christina Kohler, a 37-year-old veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Christina, who started working there in 2018, was last seen on March 12, according to a post from the Texas Center for the Missing.
At that time, police stated that she was a “credible threat to her own health and safety.”
Sadly, it was later revealed that she had passed away on the same day she went missing. Constable Mark Herman expressed, “Her name, her life, absolutely deserves to be remembered for her commitment to our profession.”
Most recently, Kohler worked as a bailiff in the 182nd District Court, as reported by The Houston Chronicle.
HCSO Deputy Maria Vasquez’s death was announced last week
Maria Vasquez died within days of her colleague (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Just days after Kohler’s passing, the Medical Examiner’s Office announced that HCSO Deputy Maria Vasquez, who had left the department in December 2024, also took her own life.
The 42-year-old reportedly died at her residence on Almeda Genoa Road in Houston.
Both Kohler and Vasquez were honored in a Facebook post by HCSO, where the Community Engagement Division expressed, “Heaven has gained two beautiful angels.
“May their memory be a blessing, providing strength and comfort to their friends, family, and coworkers during this difficult time.”
Sadly, two more former deputies have also died by suicide.
Kohler and Vasquez are not the only losses affecting the HCSO; former deputy William Bozeman was found under similar circumstances, as reported by ABC 13 Eyewitness News.
Additionally, on February 26, it was revealed that another former HCSO deputy, Long Nguyen, 58, had also died by suicide, according to the medical examiner.
Experts call for struggling first responders to ‘reach out’
It’s understood William Bozeman was found dead in similar circumstances (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Dr. Ron Acierno, the Director of the Trauma and Resilience Center at UTHealth Houston, believes that the stigma surrounding police officers seeking mental health treatment, both while on duty and after retirement, needs to be reduced.
He mentioned to Click 2 Houston that, similar to veterans and active-duty military members, many officers feel they should just tough it out. Some may not even realize that help is available or doubt its effectiveness.
Dr. Acierno pointed out that the Trauma and Resilience Center provides mental health support specifically for first responders in Texas.
“We have effective treatments available. They might not be enjoyable or easy, but they are focused on taking action. The goal is to change your actions to improve your feelings,” he explained.
On the other hand, Dr. Thomas McNeese, who leads the Behavioral Health Division at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, recognized the heavy emotional toll that this profession can take.
He noted that the job can significantly affect individuals over time, saying, “It’s crucial to reach out for help and take steps to avoid feeling stuck.”
What is the HSCO offering in terms of mental health aid?
Long Nguyen reportedly died on February 26 (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
After the tragic loss of four current and former officers, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the largest sheriff’s office in Texas, is providing mental health and peer support services to help Deputy Kohler’s coworkers cope with her passing.
“The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the community’s prayers and support, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Deputy Kohler’s family,” they stated.
HCSO Constable Sherman Eagleton has encouraged any first responders who are having a tough time to reach out for help.
“You are important and valued, even during your hardest moments,” he posted on Facebook.
“To our fellow officers, please look out for one another. Don’t carry your struggles alone; your family is here to support you.”
Additionally, Jose Lopez, President of the Harris County Deputies Organization, acknowledged the gravity of the situation among his fellow officers.
McNeese mentioned that the recent suicides have put a strain on the entire department, leading to discussions on how to enhance the agency’s behavioral health services.
“Events like this have long-lasting effects that you may not realize for years,” he noted, expressing his belief that the division is “too small.”
Nonetheless, he remains hopeful that the service can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
“The goal is to normalize it by being present,” he explained. “They know we’re not here to take away their badge; we’re actually here to support them.”
If you or someone you know is facing challenges or a mental health crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support. The Crisis Text Line can also be reached by texting MHA to 741741.
If you or someone you care about is in need of mental health support right now, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This helpline is a free and confidential resource that is open 24/7 for anyone who needs help.