![]() ![]() Steve Hough is a former policeman and cofounder of Blue H.E.L.P., which advocates for first responders and tracks the numbers of those who died by suicide. Westminster Police Chief Darin Lenyi talks about mental health telling his officers that it is “okay not to be okay,” trying to remove the stigma of seeking help with depression during a Mental Health Awareness Patch Dedication and Unveiling Ceremony at the police department. Though suicide is at the farthest end of the mental distress spectrum, police also experience high rates of divorce, substance abuse, and other adverse outcomes. Sometimes officers are able to deal with it, but some can’t. Life and the job don’t stop, especially with family and other concerns, the stress and depression can build. “Instead you go home and think you’re normal, and you’re not.” “I saw things that warranted seeing someone and didn’t,” Atkinson admitted. While true in concept, it is easier said than done. In addition to being dedicated to the fallen officers, Lenyi said, “This wall is also a reminder that it’s OK to not be OK and seek help.” “(Richard’s suicide) turned my life upside down and having to raise four kids.” “You don’t want to lose someone and then see someone like me standing here,” she said. “We are exposed to humanity at its worst on a daily basis,” Westminster Chief Darin Lenyi said at the unveiling, noting the sky-high numbers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in police.Ĭarrie Atkinson, Richard’s widow and a former WPD officer, came to the unveiling and spoke about the importance of seeking help for those in distress. “There’s a lot of despair, a lot of fear,” said Williams, who has seen and treated many police and first responders with suicidal thoughts. Heather Williams, who specializes in treating mental health issues among first responders in her private practice and has more than 20 years of experience responding to critical incidents. “It continues to shift in the right direction,” said Dr. The battle to remove the stigma of suicide and recognize mental health as just that - a health issue - is slow and ongoing. Those three are recognized with plaques on the Westminster Police Officers’ Memorial in City Plaza. Weber and Frank died from work-related illnesses, while Phillips, a motorcycle officer, perished in a traffic accident while on duty. In addition to Richard and Pate, Westminster lost three officers early: Lt. Throughout the month of May, officers in the department can wear green shoulder patches, while professional staff will be offered green ribbons and lapel pins, to support the cause. The surrounding wall is painted a bright Kelly green, the color that represents the month and is meant to symbolize new growth, new life, and new beginnings.įor the first time, the two officers are being commemorated in a central space in the police department. Maninderjit Singh, 26, of Georgetown, has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized.Īnyone with further information about this investigation is asked to contact police.A Westminster PD officer wears the new green Mental Health Awareness Patch, to be worn for the month of May, raising awareness for Mental Health. Saheyad Kang, 21, of Georgetown, has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized.Īrundeep Singh, 24, of Georgetown, has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized. Komalpreet Singh, 22, of Georgetown, has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized. Snowerpreet Khehra, 25, of Georgetown, has been charged with kidnapping, robbery and possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized. Harmanpreet Singh, 22, of Brampton, has been charged with kidnapping and robbery. The following suspects have been charged and held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton:ĭanish Thakur, 24, of Brampton, has been charged with kidnapping, robbery, possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm, discharging a firearm and assault with a weapon.ĭaljeet Singh, 28, of Brampton, has been charged with kidnapping and robbery. In addition to the arrests, several items were seized by police, including a handgun, ammunition, vehicles and property relating to the alleged offences. at two residences in Brampton and one in Georgetown. Police executed search warrants yesterday at approximately 6:00 a.m. 15, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., police say two victims in their early 20s attended a residence in Brampton, were held against their will, kidnapped and later released. Police have arrested and charged eight people in connection with a kidnapping investigation in Brampton.
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