On Friday, June 14, the 29-year-old police officer committed suicide shot in the head for a section of the NYPD in Staten island. His death was the third suicide of an employee of the Department over the last ten days.
The first incident occurred on June 5 in Queens, in the car found the body of 62-year-old Deputy chief Steven Silks who planned to retire in a few days. He served in the police for almost 39 years and was considered one of «the most capable and reliable» officers.
The next day it became known about the disappearance of 58-year-old detective Joseph Calabrese. His car was found on the Belt Parkway in Sheepshead Bay, and soon on Plumb beach’s body turned up the Calabrese. The man, who worked in the homicide division of South Brooklyn, was in the Department for 37 years.
Det. Joseph Calabrese kept New Yorkers safe for nearly 4 decades. Loved by his fellow cops, the loss of Joe is difficult for every member of the NYPD. As he’s laid to rest, our prayers are with his family. Joe’s death has ignited a conversation we must all continue. #StopSuicide pic.twitter.com/M9EqFBNeqG
— Chief Terence Monahan (@NYPDChiefofDept) June 12, 2019
The identity of the third employee has not yet been disclosed, but there is information that he held the rank of detective and investigated cases of domestic violence. All three died from shots to the head.
In his official statement, Commissioner O’neill stated that the NYPD is on the verge of a «psychological crisis» and called officers, who need support, seek it to the leadership, colleagues and friends.
«This must not continue, — said the Commissioner — Police help people all day long. But, before we help those we are sworn to serve, it is necessary to help themselves. <…> You must not show weakness, asking for help — on the contrary, will demonstrate the incredible power».
This is a mental-health crisis. And the NYPD & the law enforcement profession as a whole absolutely must take action. We must take care of each other; we must address this issue — now. Please take my statement to heart below & help yourself, your loved ones, & your colleagues. ⬇ this pic.twitter.com/urHuzIiiFb
— Commissioner O’neill (@NYPDONeill) June 15, 2019
«I want officers to know that you will always help, you are not alone. he added, With what today seems unbearable, will be able to cope tomorrow.»
Mayor De Blasio also made a statement regarding the recent deaths, adding that his office works together with the NYPD to make available to officers confronted with psychological problems, all the necessary resources.
NYPD. Steven Silks 
nydetectives.org. Joseph Calabrese
«Three brave officers of our police recently killed himself. he said they made the city better. The life of each of them was of great importance».
According to statistics from the nonprofit organization Blue HELP, in 2018, the United States ended with a 159 police officers. That’s 9% more than the number of employees killed during the year in the performance of official duties — their number was 144.
