Lancaster police officer’s death ruled a suicide
Lancaster PA June 28 2018 Lancaster City Police on Wednesday announced that the recent death of Patrol Officer Mark Gehron, 43, was a suicide.
Gehron, a 19-year veteran of the police bureau, died Saturday, June 23.
According to his obituary, Gehron was a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School and attended the Police Academy at Harrisburg Area Community College.
He was previously a volunteer firefighter and, as a police officer, received several awards and commendations.
Gehron was also the father to sons Chris and Carter, both of Lancaster.
In its release, the Lancaster Police Department said the law enforcement community experiences an average of 130 deaths a year related to officers in crisis.
“We in public safety have difficult jobs that come with unique challenges and dangers, coupled with regular life stressors [that] make it easy for us to become overwhelmed,” the statement read. “We are public safety professionals who people turn to in times of crisis or emergency. So public safety workers often mask emotion to do their jobs on a day-to-day basis helping people, and we forget or ignore that we often need help ourselves.”
They suggest first responders do regular mental health checkups every year as they would a physical wellness check.
If you’re struggling and need help, it’s a phone call or a click away. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached online via https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or via phone at 1-800-723-8255.
york daily record
