Pasco Florida deputy sheriff takes own life, was married mom of 3
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. Feb 26 2019 The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office on Monday announced the recent passing of a deputy.
Sheriff Chris Nocco said April Rodriguez worked for the department for four years. She committed suicide over the weekend.
Rodriguez is the fifth first responder in the Tampa Bay area to take their own life in recent months.
Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco says Rodriguez leaves behind a husband and three children.
Sadly, multiple Tampa Bay area first responders have taken their own lives over the last few months.
Suicide claims more first responders than line of duty deaths. According to a study done by the Ruderman Foundation, in 2017, 93 firefighters died in the line of duty and at least 103 firefighters took their own lives. A total of 129 police officers died in the line of duty and 140 committed suicide.
Lakeland firefighters and first responders from Polk Fire Rescue, Winter Haven Fire Department and Plant City Fire Department recently underwent training to learn the warning signs to look for and find out when and where to get help.
If you’re thinking about suicide or worried about someone who might be, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a local crisis center. You can also text the Crisis Text Line by messaging 741741. Police officers can text the word BLUE.
WFLA
