Ahead of National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day on September 26, Bradenton Police are putting their own story front and center. Officer Zachary Butterfield, a SWAT member who joined the department in 2022, died by suicide in 2025 at age 40. His wife, Michelle, shared his cause of death publicly, a decision that helped push the conversation about officer mental health into the open.
The national picture is just as heavy. Blue HELP reports 81 first responders have died by suicide this year, and the organization says that figure is likely an undercount, since these deaths are sometimes misclassified. Research shows officers experience PTSD and depression at higher rates than the general public and are more likely to die by suicide than by a felonious attack in the line of duty.
Bradenton’s response has been practical. Chief Josh Cramer has expanded the department’s Peer Support program and added free on-site yoga for staff. Officer Jordan Poulos, who has served 20 years in law enforcement and now works homeless outreach, completed a mental health crisis certificate program at St. Pete College in 2025. Departments across the nation are watching how these efforts reduce stigma. If you or someone you love is in crisis, help is available through 988 and Florida’s First Responder Hope Line at 1-866-4FL-HERO. Do you know a first responder who could use a check-in this week?
