In a tragic incident, a deputy chief with the New York Police Department died by suicide on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. The officer, Deputy Chief Steven Silks, 62, was the executive officer of Patrol Borough Queens North.
A police spokesman confirmed to Fox News that Silks died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sgt. Lee Jones stated that the deputy chief was a 38-year veteran of the police department. Sources speaking to the New York Post indicated that Silks, who was reportedly a month away from retirement, was found in an unmarked patrol car with a gunshot wound to the head. Official confirmation of these details was not immediately available from the NYPD.
“It’s terrible he would find himself in that place,” a Queens detective said at the scene. “Say a prayer for his family.”
Another police source told The Post that Silks “absolutely lived for the NYPD.” “He loved what he did. He was admired and loved by everybody. It’s heartbreaking,” the officer said.
Michael Palladino, President of the Detectives’ Endowment Association, expressed his shock and sadness upon learning of Silks’ death. “He had such enthusiasm for the job and for life itself which makes this difficult to understand,” Palladino said in a statement. “He was one of the nicest human beings I ever met.”
The NYPD’s mandatory retirement age is 63, according to The Post. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of police suicide. According to Blue H.E.L.P., in 2018, at least 159 officers died by suicide, a figure 9 percent higher than the total number of officers killed in the line of duty. New York had one of the highest rates of officer suicides among major U.S. cities, with 10 officers reported dead as of Jan. 1, 2019. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement professionals. Resources are available to help those struggling with suicidal thoughts and mental health issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
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