Shine a Light

 My husband, Martin Joseph Walsh, badge number 6125, wanted nothing more in life than to become a New Jersey Police Officer. At the age of 20, he was selected to join the academy. Martin graduated in the 127th class on November 21, 2001.  From there he dedicated himself to becoming the best state police officer possible.  He was insanely passionate about his job and was extremely proactive in the field. Martin was not one to "sit around" as he wanted to    

make a difference. Despite the drive and ambition he had to help others, he suffered side effects from the trauma endured during his daily duties as an officer.

Martin suffered from PTSD, depression and alcohol addiction. He was aware of these problems and was proactively working on bettering himself through services offered at his job. Despite the desire to get better, his love for his family and his dedication to service, the years of trauma endured, was too much for him to bear. He took his life on January 5, 2018, leaving behind a 7-year-old daughter, a 5-year-old son, and a loving wife.

Martin was the 4th officer in 2018 to take his life.  In 2018 there have been 163 (verified through Blue Help) officers throughout the country have taken their own lives.  This number is continually changing as Blue Help gathers more verified suicides. 

In 2019, there have been 56 verified suicides (since March).

If you are feeling suicidal and need immediate help-

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).