Police Sergeant's Death, Widow Tells The Story.

Police Sergeant's Death, Widow Tells The Story.

Police Sergeant's Death, Widow Tells The StoryPhoto byJohn J Wiley Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast

In a heart-wrenching tale of tragedy and resilience, Lindsey Doolittle, is a guest on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. She is the widow of the late Sergeant Brett Doolittle of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, bravely opens up about the pain, stigma, and the shocking response from the department following her husband's tragic suicide.

Sgt. Brett Doolittle, a dedicated officer with over 15 years of service, lost his battle with mental health issues when he took his own life just three days shy of his 35th birthday. His passing left Lindsey Doolittle shattered and thrust her into a community she never imagined being a part of a community of suicide-loss survivors.

Speaking with heavy hearts, Lindsey Doolittle reflects on her husband's struggle with police-related stress and the symptoms that ultimately led to his devastating decision. "My husband did not reach out for help. I wish he would have," she somberly stated, emphasizing the importance of seeking assistance for mental health concerns within the law enforcement community.

You can listen to the podcast episode in it's entirety by clicking here.

Tragically, Sgt. Doolittle believed he was sparing his loved ones from his suffering. "My husband thought he was doing me a favor when he ended his life. He really thought he was a burden," Lindsey Doolittle revealed, tears welling up in her eyes. "I became a suicide-loss survivor, and my life changed forever."

The story takes an even more distressing turn when Lindsey discloses that her late husband had attempted suicide in front of her just four months before his tragic death. Fearing the consequences that might befall him, Lindsey refrained from reporting the incident, grappling with the possibility of her husband losing his job, leaving her, or people not believing her account.

In the aftermath of her husband's death, Lindsey discovered a poignant suicide note left behind by Brett. In it, he pointed to his law enforcement career as the source of his torment.

While Brett Doolittle attributed his mental health struggles to the stress of his career, official investigations offered different conclusions. According to Lindsey, detectives who looked into his death pointed to marital problems and recurring medical issues as factors in their report. "In the official police report and the autopsy report, they blamed our marriage for his death, and then Brett blamed the police department in his suicide letter," she lamented. "My message has always been that I don't blame anyone."

You can listen to the podcast episode in it's entirety by clicking here.

Despite her immense grief, Lindsey does not direct blame at any individual or agency for her husband's tragic end. However, she asserts that the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department failed to provide the support she needed in the wake of Brett's untimely passing. Shockingly, she alleges that several department employees ignored her during her husband's funeral, adding an additional layer of pain to her ordeal.

Lindsey Doolittle's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health within law enforcement agencies and the dire need for comprehensive support systems for officers and their families. In addition to sharing her painful journey, Lindsey has also embarked on a mission to help others facing similar struggles. Her book on suicide serves as a testament to her resilience and a beacon of hope for those grappling with the silent battles of mental health.

As the law enforcement community grapples with the ongoing challenges of officer mental health, the story of Sgt. Brett Doolittle's tragic death and the strength of his widow's advocacy will stand as a poignant reminder that more needs to be done to protect those who protect us.

You can listen to the podcast episode in it's entirety by clicking here. You will also find more that 545 free episodes of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, in addition to various blog articles.