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One of them was a former deputy chief found dead in his police car in the neighborhood where he was working. The other was a long-time homicide detective, discovered hours later without a life in the dark marshlands of southern Brooklyn.
The two men were killed, surprising suicides one after the other, which prompted senior police officials to plead directly with the troubled police officers of the 36,000 members of the force to ask for assistance. 39; aid.
"To the cops here today, I need to know that help is available," Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill told a press conference on Thursday. "The help is there, you are never alone."
"No situation is desperate," said Chief Terence A. Monahan, the highest-ranking police officer in uniform, in a video posted on social media. "You give priority to strangers every day. Now is the time to prioritize your health and well-being. And do not forget to check with your fellow cops. "
The two men, who died on Wednesday and Thursday, lived together for almost 80 years and saw other police officers commit suicide before following the same path.
On Wednesday, the body of 62-year-old Deputy Chief Steven J. Silks was found shortly before sunset near Forest Hills Stadium and the police station where he worked. He died as a result of a self-inflicted bullet wound, police said.
Stunned by the death of the popular leader, the department was found the next day in search of a missing detective, Joseph Calabrese, 58, after discovering his empty vehicle near the belt's promenade, near 39; ;a beach. A massive search was launched by air and sea – with helicopters, divers and about 100 officers – before the detective's body was found Thursday afternoon near Plumb Beach.
Suicides have highlighted a long-standing problem for New York City police and officers across the country. The difficulties of police work and the proximity of a lethal weapon can often lead to a tragic result: almost every other day in the United States last year, with 159 dead.
In the past decade, 48 officers in New York City have committed suicide, officials said. Four died last year and three so far this year.
The officials congratulated the two men as two of the most exemplary officers of the force. "I am shocked and upset beyond belief," said Michael J. Palladino, president of the Detectives' Endowment Association. "Joseph Calabrese was a devoted detective, a union leader, a husband and a father. He was the salt of the earth. "
Chief Silks, who had previously served in the department's anti-terrorism department, in Brooklyn, in the Brooklyn Department and commander of the Rodman's Range, was hailed as "the only one in the world." one of the most competent and reliable police officers this job has ever seen "O" Neill.
"All his life, in fact, has been dedicated to New York City, its police officers, the fight against crime and the protection of all the people we serve," O'Neill said. "He wanted to make our big city a better place for everyone, and he certainly did it every day."
Deputy Chief Martin Morales, Queens North Commander, said about Chief Silks on Twitter: "He was a unique, accomplished individual and an extraordinary storyteller."
The two men had spent decades with the police department; Chief Silks for 38 years, Inspector Calabrese, 37 years old. We do not know if they knew each other. Chief Silks, an outdoor enthusiast, marathoner and mountaineer, had just put his retirement documents. He had to face mandatory retirement before his 63rd birthday next month.
In April, the department organized a symposium on officer suicide at police headquarters, bringing together more than 300 researchers and officers. In the United States, there are more police officers who have committed suicide in recent years than dead in the line of duty, the police said.
"We can not hide from this discussion," said O'Neill. "We should not and we will not do it."
Ali Watkins and Emily Palmer contributed to the reports.
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