Florida police officer shoots himself dead in squad car outside courthouse in horrific scene

Members of the Hillsborough County, Florida Sheriff's Department are mourning the loss of one of their deputies who died by suicide.

Deputy Tim White, 45, was a U.S army veteran where he served as a medical assistant, and had been with the sheriff’s office for 15 years according to his LinkedIn profile.

White was found in a vehicle in downtown Tampa Bay in the evening hours of Thursday Aug. 29 between the county courthouse and the Tampa Fire Rescue headquarters. According to the sheriff’s office White took his own life after his shift was over on Thursday, a shift which he spent guarding the courthouse lobby.

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White’s death brings a spotlight on the mental health challenges many law enforcement officers and military veterans often face.

“First responders, law enforcement particularly see themselves as the helper and the helpee,” said Chara Reynolds of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Reynolds, who was not made aware of the details of this case, said that 85% of first responders deal with mental health or substance abuse issues. She said more first responders die by suicide than are killed in the line of duty. First responders are also 1.39 more likely to die by suicide than the general public according to the CDC.

“Police chiefs and certainly sheriffs have been very vocal in that it’s okay to not be okay,” Reynolds said. “It still takes time for that message to really trickle down to the workforce.”

A national report on suicides among law enforcement members found that an average if 184 officers die by suicide each year. The report suggests that only 23% of those who attempt suicide reported seeking professional help for their mental health.

Police suicides have decreased on the last years since hitting a high of 232 in 2019, but his data may be incomplete as it is based on voluntary data reported to the FBI.

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“Once we know the scale of the problem, we can do something more about it,” said Jessica Dockstander of the Center for Naval Analysis. “Once we know who’s impacted, we can provide targeted programming, targeted interventions.”

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister released a statement saying “I am devastated to learn that one of our own was suffering in silence. To anyone in crisis, please know you are not alone, help is available.”

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay that handles mental health emergency calls said they got 119 calls from first responders in July alone.

CNA researchers said that law enforcement face significant challenges in navigating their career paths and female officers have a higher rate of attempts, even though they seek help at twice the rate of men.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24/7. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 998 or chat at 988lifeline.org.