A retired NYPD official appears to have died by suicide in Lido Beach on Monday morning, according to various sources. This incident adds to a troubling trend of law enforcement suicides on Long Island.
Nassau County police confirmed that a body was discovered at Hempstead Beach, although they have not yet released the identity of the individual or additional details regarding the case.
Sources close to the investigation indicated that the victim, a former New York City police officer, went to the beach and fatally shot himself with a handgun early that morning.
Authorities suggested that they believe the death was indeed a suicide.
“It’s a sad situation that we’re not really trying to report,” a Nassau police spokesperson told the Post.
If an autopsy confirms that he took his own life, this would mark the seventh New York police officer to die by suicide this year. At the current rate, the state appears on track to see over 20 police suicides by the end of 2025, which significantly exceeds the total of 13 from 2024.
“The numbers are incredible, so our mental health should be a priority,” stated Tommy Shevlin, president of the Nassau County PBA.
Last month, Shevlin highlighted the alarming number of police suicides across the state, noting that more than half have originated from Long Island.
“We are in the midst of a quiet crisis,” remarked Lou Sicherro, president of the Suffolk County PBA, previously.
In Suffolk County, four officers took their lives last year, while all four police suicides this year occurred in Nassau.
Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged last year that law enforcement suicide rates are 60% higher than that of the general population, and she has allocated $13 million for mental health support for officers statewide.
However, the police union president believes further action is needed, urging Albany to pass the Joseph Banish Mental Health Act, which would establish a mental health support program for officers.
“This law is not just necessary. It’s been postponed for a long time,” Civello said.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
