Dear Editor,

Many that chose to become a police officer don’t realize the unknown risks that come with the job. The unknown risk I’m referring to is the potential mental and emotional issues that lead officers to take their own life by suicide. It’s the silent killer. In 2019 law enforcement officers were 1 1/2 times more likely to die by their own hands than at the hands of violent felons, car crashes and all other line of duty deaths combined. The current trend is constantly increasing and has been statistically proven.

Mental health has been something that gets pushed to the side when it comes to law enforcement, but to Sheriff Kyle Dukes, it is the backbone for support. My husband has worked for the sheriffs department for nine years and has worked for three different administrations. When Sheriff Dukes was elected into office we were unsure of how a new system would work and how they would handle things. To say I have been blown away from the mental health support is an understatement. When the support system at home is being supported and also at work it gives everyone a better chance. Life as a law enforcement wife comes with many challenges but if you have help and encouragement along the way it will make the harder times a little bit easier to make it through. Sheriff Dukes has given us an opportunity once a month to meet as a group with a licensed counselor and to have a guided discussion about the many issues we face as the supporting role at home. I would also like to add that she is there all day on her designated day to meet with staff in the sheriffs department.

I cannot begin to tell you how many officers and their families have been impacted positively through meeting with her. I cannot begin to tell you how much this has meant to me personally. Sheriff Kyle Dukes cares! When he says he cares about the community he truly does. He knows the people behind the scenes and it has had a big impact on our family. Not just my family life at home but also the family life in the department. I never felt support like this from the previous two administrations and I want the people in our community to know just how far the current administration has come. Just ask the people who actually are connected to the community at the sheriffs department. Look past your own personal feelings and listen to the people who feel the impact of someone who genuinely cares about the community as a whole. I want people in our community to know the heart behind Kyle Dukes. Our community needs more of this support with all the problems we face. Sheriff Kyle Dukes will always have my support because I know that he is doing this for a stronger family, department, and community.

Jessica Popenfoose

Warsaw, Indiana