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Retired NOPD officer dies by suicide inside department headquarters

“Police work brings with it … wounds that sometimes create heavy, heavy hearts. And right now our priority is … supporting our people,” Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, you are not alone — and help is always available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained counselor, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or someone you care about, please know that it’s never too late to reach out. You deserve help. You deserve hope. Someone is ready to listen.

NEW ORLEANS —A retired New Orleans Police officer died by suicide in NOPD headquarters, WDSU reported.
Officers from the department responded to the DXC Technology building, home to NOPD headquarters. They found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. The man, identified as a retired officer, was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, according to the report.

“Our department mourns the tragic loss of one of our own officers. Our officer took his life today at work,” Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. “…Police work brings with it at times heavy burdens and private hurts and wounds that sometimes create heavy, heavy hearts. And right now our priority is … supporting our people.”

Kirkpatrick reminded the public and fellow officers that resources are available to help those experiencing thoughts of self-harm.

“I encourage any [officer] who is struggling, whether current or retired, to reach out. There is courage in reaching out,” Kirkpatrick said.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com