ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — This week marks National Police Week, an annual event established by Congress in 1962 to pay tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. But as the country honors the fallen, it’s also a time to focus on the living: the men and women who put on the badge every day, facing not only physical danger but a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), a total of 264 officers died in the line of duty nationwide in 2022, a devastating increase of 14% from the previous year. In Ohio, the toll was 13 officers, a figure that reinforces the constant dangers faced by our law enforcement personnel.
That number almost came to 14 in the fall when Ross County Sheriff’s Sergeant Eric Kocheran was shot in the chest. Kocheran was finishing his shift when someone knocked at the back door of the Sheriff’s office in downtown Chillicothe. Kocheran approached the door and greeted a man who opened fire on the deputy. Kocheran was able to fire back, killing the gunman, but not before he was shot, himself. The volunteer firefighter and deputy Sheriff was in a coma for more than a week and underwent multiple surgeries. He later woke up in the hospital in what his doctors called a “miracle,” with the bullet still lodged inside his body; surgery was too complicated and high-risk to remove the fragments.
Kocheran was released from the hospital a few weeks after the shooting and was sent home to heal. As procedure, he was given six months of paid leave as required by the deputy’s union contract with the Ross County Sheriff’s Office. However, that pay ended on Wednesday, which marked the sixth month of the shooting. Kocheran is now forced to use his hard earned sick, vacation, and personal days to extend his paycheck while he continues to heal.
When the shooting happened, Sheriff George Lavender said he would approach the county commissioners about extending the pay beyond six months, if needed. The Guardian reached out to the Sheriff for comment, who did not respond to inquires.
On Wednesday — the sixth month anniversary of the shooting, Kocheran gave a speech at OhioHealth for survivors of traumatic events.
“I have been in situations that have been crazy, but nothing prepares for the aftermath …. I spent 27 days at the hospital, 16 of that in the ICU …. it is difficult to watch your loved ones go through this, but they rely on you, trust me,” the sergeant said in his speech. “They rely on you to keep them motivated, pushing them even when they’re frustrated; keep pushing, because when you get to the other side of victories, you know that’s what got you there.”
In light of National Police Week, GoFundMe is re-highlighting an online fundraiser which was established in Kocheran’s name by a fellow officer, with all donations going directly to Kocheran and his family.
“GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub housing verified fundraisers for fallen and injured law enforcement officers and other first responders,” said GoFundMe spokeswoman Ese Esan. “The launch of the hub comes during National Police Week which focuses on honoring and remembering first responders who gave their lives in the line of duty. A fundraiser for Ross County Deputy Eric Kocheran is currently featured on the hub.“
While Kocheran continues to heal, the dangers of law enforcement aren’t confined to physical injuries. The job also takes a significant toll on officers’ mental health. A recent study published in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology revealed that law enforcement officers have a significantly higher risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide than the general population. The same study found that police officers are nearly five times more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
“Breaking the stigma around mental health in law enforcement is one of the most significant challenges we face today,” said Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth of Fayette County. “Our law enforcement face unique stressors and trauma, and we need to ensure they have access to the mental health support they need without fear of judgment or reprisal.”
In Ohio, the situation is particularly concerning. According to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission, 15 Ohio law enforcement officers died by suicide in 2022, a grim reminder of the psychological toll the profession can take. Despite these alarming statistics, mental health remains a stigmatized topic within law enforcement circles. Traditional law enforcement culture often values resilience and toughness, sometimes at the expense of emotional wellbeing. This stigma often deters officers from seeking the help they need, a trend that National Police Week aims to change.
In recognition of this need, Ohio has made significant strides in providing mental health support for law enforcement officers. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting officers’ mental health. These include specialized training for managing job-related stress, confidential counseling services, and a statewide crisis hotline specifically for first responders.
Several Ohio communities are organizing local events to raise awareness about the mental health needs of law enforcement officers. These include mental health workshops, community outreach programs, and fundraisers to support mental health resources for officers and their families. The Columbus Division of Police, for example, is holding a “Blue Brunch” event where officers can come together in a relaxed, supportive environment to discuss mental health openly. They will be joined by mental health professionals who will provide information about resources and coping strategies.
“As we commemorate National Police Week, it’s crucial to remember the physical and emotional sacrifices our law enforcement make every day. We honor their bravery and dedication by not only remembering the fallen but also by supporting the living, breaking down the stigma around mental health, and ensuring our officers have the resources they need to stay safe, both physically and emotionally,” Stanforth said. “After all, behind every badge is a person, and every person deserves the tools and support to manage the unique challenges they face. This National Police Week, let’s pledge to do our part in making that support a reality for our law enforcement.”