By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — Officers with the Trussville Police Department witnessed a man shoot and kill himself, according to a police report.
The incident happened on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, around 5 p.m. Out of respect for the family of the victim, The Tribune will not release his name.
The 40-year-old veteran and pastor expressed suicidal thoughts on Facebook just before the incident.
“I just want to say to all my military brothers, goodbye,” he posted. “You know what that means for me. I could trust you with my life and some of you trusted me with yours. There has been no greater honor than to serve with you.”
The victim went onto say he was sorry for “going out this way.” He asked friends to pray for his family.
According to the police report, the man was still alive when officers first arrived on the scene. He was holding a gun and demanded the officers to get back. The officers complied and attempted to communicate with the man but those attempts were unsuccessful.
After shooting himself in the chest, the man was taken to the hospital by Trussville Fire & Rescue, where he was pronounced dead.
Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush said officers who were at the scene were checked on after the incident.
“Officers who were at the scene will be offered any assistance they need to help them deal with seeing someone take their own life,” Rush said. “Our jobs are tough and things like this can potentially have long-term effects on the mental health of my officers.”
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that an average of 20 veterans died from suicide per day. For veterans, emotions and crises can be heightened because of things they have experienced during their service to the country.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline organization says there are ways to help a suffering veteran.
– Ask and listen: Be an active part of your loved ones’ support systems and check in with them often. If they show any warning signs for suicide, be direct. Tell them it’s OK to talk about suicidal feelings. Practice active listening techniques and let them talk without judgment.
– Get them help and take care of yourself: Don’t be afraid to get your loved one the help they might need. The Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line are always here to talk or chat, both for crisis intervention and to support friends and loved ones.
– Be there: Everyone deals with pain differently. A simple act of kindness to the veteran or service member in your life can help that person feel less alone.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255, or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for help. You will be connected to a local crisis center for assistance.