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Four employees die by apparent suicides in 24-hour span
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) was shaken by the apparent suicide deaths of four current or former employees within a 24-hour period in early November.
There was no indication that the suicides were related or that any foul play was involved, per the L.A. Times, which received the information for its reporting from numerous sources from the department who spoke on a condition of anonymity. At the time of this writing, the department didn’t reveal the names of the victims or share that the deaths were self-inflicted.
According to the Times, the first victim, Commander Darren Harris, was found dead in his home in Santa Clarita on Monday, November 7. The 25-year department veteran rose through the ranks throughout his career, serving in media relations as a chief department spokesperson, overseeing Transit Services Bureau and running Santa Clarita Station.
More than two hours later on Monday afternoon, authorities found retired Sergeant Greg Hovland, who worked in the Antelope Valley before his retirement, dead at his Quartz Hill home.
Also on Monday, a third victim was found dead shortly after in Stevenson Ranch. The fourth victim was discovered the following day, Tuesday, November 8, in Pomona.
According to a press release from the department, the deaths are being investigated by homicide detectives and the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner.
“We are stunned to learn of these deaths, and it has sent shock waves of emotions throughout the department as we try and cope with the loss of not just one, but four beloved active and retired members of our department family,” LASD Sheriff Robert Luna said in an emailed statement. “During trying times like these it’s important for personnel regardless of rank or position to check on the well-being of other colleagues and friends.”
The deaths bring the total number of LASD employees lost to suicide this year to eight, as there were four others who died by suicide earlier this year, according to an agency spokesperson.
The tragic deaths underscore the deeply concerning and pervasive issue of suicide among law enforcement officers and other first responders. Suicide has been cited in the past several years as one of the leading causes of death in the profession. Many studies have shown that more officers have died by suicide than in the line of duty, and that due to the inherent stressful nature of the job — which includes high levels of pressure, constant exposure to traumatic and life-threatening incidents, organizational stressors, etc. — officers are at a higher risk of suicide than the general population.
According to Blue H.E.L.P., an organization dedicated to tracking officer suicides and reducing mental health stigma through education, 81 officers have taken their lives this year across the country. In 2022, there were 172 suicides.
In his statement, Luna also expressed concern for employees’ well-being and vowed to explore more ways to reduce work stress factors affecting employees’ professional and personal lives. In addition, he highlighted the department’s Psychological Services Bureau and Injury and Health Support Unit, noting that staff in both units were working to provide counseling and other support to the families of the four victims as well as employees.
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