Ulster County sheriff Juan Figueroa has confirmed that an unidentified male employee who had worked for the sheriff”s office for more than 20 years found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at around 3:30 p.m. yesterday at the Ulster County Jail was the victim of suicide. The name of the employee has not been released.
When the man was discovered, officers immediately began emergency medical aid. The employee was then transferred to Health Alliance Hospital Mary’s Avenue Campus in Kingston. Life-saving efforts failed to reverse the damage inflicted by the bullet and the employee was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation has opened an investigation.
“This is something that unfortunately is common now in law enforcement with the stresses that we have to deal with every day,” Figueroa said. “It’s truly a sad day here at the sheriff’s office for the rank-and-file, and it’s very traumatic.”
The Professional Standards Division of the sheriff’s office will provide counseling for co-workers struggling with the news. “Everybody’s wired differently, and as humans we’re frail, everybody,” said the sheriff.” Especially in today’s world of law enforcement, with what’s been going on.”
Thirty people killed themselves in Ulster County last year, a number 67 percent higher than the previous year.
“Mental health is an issue that affects us all, and we all need to support our loved ones and community members to seek help,” said county executive Jen Metzger. “I want to remind all members of the Ulster County community that they should call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 if they are experiencing a mental-health crisis or suicidal thoughts.”
Join the family! 
