NYPD Suicide: Patrick J. Mckee – Rockland County, NY — In a devastating series of events, a second New York Police Department (NYPD) officer has attempted to take his own life in less than a week. On Saturday, December 28, 2024, Officer Patrick McKee jumped off the Bear Mountain Bridge near Stony Point in Rockland County. Emergency responders from multiple local fire departments rushed to the scene, including Rockland Fires, Bear Mountain Bridge, Stony Point Fire Department, Thiells Fire Department, Fort Montgomery Fire Department, and Continental Village Fire Department, alongside specialized divers.
Officer McKee was successfully rescued from the waters below and rushed to the hospital. As of now, his condition remains unknown. Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances leading to the incident, but it has raised alarms about the mental health challenges facing law enforcement officers.
This tragic incident comes just days after the death of Sergeant Ivan Rodriguez, who was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Monday, December 23, 2024. The two cases have sparked concern and sorrow within the NYPD and the broader law enforcement community.
Another NYPD Officer Attempts Suicide, Following Recent Tragedy
Mental health advocates and law enforcement organizations have voiced growing concern over the toll that stress, trauma, and the demands of police work can have on officers’ mental well-being. Officer McKee and Sergeant Rodriguez’s tragic situations highlight the urgent need for increased mental health support and resources for those in law enforcement.
The NYPD has yet to release official statements on the officers’ conditions but has pledged support for their families and colleagues. Meanwhile, local and national mental health organizations are reiterating the importance of accessible resources for first responders, particularly as these incidents serve as stark reminders of the invisible struggles many officers face.
The police and community are now rallying behind both officers, emphasizing the importance of reaching out for help and promoting awareness of mental health issues within law enforcement agencies. Resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) remain available for anyone in need of assistance, regardless of profession.
NYPD Suicide Today
The incidents are a sobering reminder that, while law enforcement officers are often the first responders to crises, they too face their own battles with mental health. The incident took place around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, near Stony Point in Rockland County. State Police confirmed that divers were searching for the individual but did not specify whether the person was male or female.
According to a post on the Dutchess County Scanner Feed Facebook page, a witness described seeing several people attempting to talk the man out of jumping. After he leaped, the man was briefly seen treading water before disappearing underwater, the feed reported. Both Orange and Rockland County Fire Departments later stated that divers and rescue boats had left the scene, and State Police were now in recovery mode.
Rockland Fires: Bear Mountain Bridge, reported jumper down. Stony Point FD, Thiells FD Divers, Fort Montgomery FD, Continental Village FD requested. New York City Police Department
