Atlanta Police Launch Suicide Prevention Initiative

Atlanta, September 24, 2025

News Summary

The Atlanta Police Department has initiated a public suicide prevention campaign in response to the recent suicides of two officers. The initiative aims to promote mental wellness within the community and the department, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness. Officers participated in an event displaying supportive messages, fostering a sense of community regarding mental health challenges. Chief Darin Schierbaum emphasized the need for ongoing support, with additional events planned to enhance awareness and resources for those in need.

Atlanta – The Atlanta Police Department has launched a public suicide prevention initiative following the tragic suicides of two officers earlier this year. The initiative aims to raise awareness and promote wellness within the community and the department itself. This recent event took place in downtown Atlanta and comes in response to the shocking losses of Lieutenant Anthony Colton and Officer Lucas Sizemore.

At the event, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum underscored the critical need for these initiatives, illustrating a commitment to addressing mental health within law enforcement. The officers gathered at the corner of Peachtree Street and Andrew Young International Boulevard, holding up supportive signs that carried encouraging messages such as “I can pray with you” and “Be gentle with yourself today.” This display aimed to foster a sense of community and support for those struggling with mental health issues.

The department has actively promoted suicide awareness and prevention initiatives internally since the beginning of September. This concerted effort emphasizes the unique challenges faced by law enforcement officers, which include dealing with high-stress situations that can lead to mental health struggles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 50,000 individuals in the U.S. died by suicide in 2023, equating to an average of one death every 11 minutes. These alarming statistics have motivated law enforcement to be proactive about mental health crises.

Chief Schierbaum has highlighted the importance of understanding the mental health impacts of this profession and the available strategies to manage stress effectively. The Atlanta Police Department recognizes that suicide prevention is crucial not only for their officers but for the wider community as well. The initiative encompasses a series of additional events planned across the city, aiming to further enhance awareness of mental health issues and provide resources to those in need. Another event is scheduled for Thursday, indicating the department’s commitment to ongoing support and outreach.

The initiative represents part of a broader effort by the Atlanta Police Department to address not just officer wellness but also mental health challenges within the community at large. Encouraging individuals facing challenges or in crisis, the department advises them to reach out for help by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org for support.

Upcoming Events

The Atlanta Police Department will continue to hold suicide prevention events across the city, further establishing a framework for addressing mental health concerns among officers and community members alike. Ongoing events are slated to keep the momentum of this important initiative alive and ensure that those in need have access to resources and support.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google Search: Suicide Prevention
• The Atlanta Voice
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
• Atlanta News First
• Google Scholar: Suicide Prevention Initiatives
• NBC News
• Google News: Mental Health Awareness

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.