Topic: Mate topped himself this week

[Hush]

Not sure why, guess he found himself in a dark place and couldn't see a way out except for what he did. Nice guy, very funny chap, body builder with an awesome physique. He was a Prison Officer with me for 14 years, funeral is tomorrow, don't think I'll go, want to remember Al as I knew him, funny, straight talker, caring. Of all the hundreds of staff I work with Al would have been the last one I would have expected this to happen to. Just wish he had come round and sat my spa pool with a few JD's so we could talk about it. I'm going to use my Union position at work to push for a staff welfare Officer, maybe something good can come of this, we'll see.

[demon78]

Good luck Hush hope you make a difference.
Bill the demon.

[flybox1]

sorry to hear that Hush.
Unfortunately i know exactly how that feels...

[dave500]

its sad and makes you stop and think,what was so bad that it came to that,i recently found out a guy i grew up with but havent seen for years did the same,he hadnt worked for a few years and had terrible artharitis at 50,he was funny and bright and everything aswell.

[scunny]

I no the feeling only too well Rick. just go for a ride instead.

[onagd]

I know where you are at Rick. Had a work buddy do the same a number of years ago when I was working in Hastings. Same senario in that he was the last/least likely to take his own life.
You go for it and I to hope you can succeed in making a difference.
Brett

[petercb750]

Yes, know this scenario well too, sadly. Hope your efforts at work can make a difference.
Even a doc near here took his own life a few weeks ago - wife and 2 young kids..........you'd think he'd be able to get the help he needed or at least recognize the symptoms.......very sad.
In a nearby town 4 young lads have done the deed so far this year - that really knocks a small town of 2000 around.
Working in a job that deals with a lot of youth I've been to a few training seminars etc on this subject........I don't think anybody has the answers.
Peter.

[bwaller]

Sorry Hush, it's a hard thing to get ones mind around. Scunny's right though, take a long ride and remember him in your own way.

[mick7504]

Sorry to hear Hush.
It is very hard to understand the reason why, and we may never fully understand.
Knowing that we all have a choice in life is a positive thing and gives us every reason to live for, even through the tough times.
Once the lights are switched off, that choice unfortunately becomes extinguished as well.

[wardenerd]

My last year 2007 in the US Bureau of Prisons we had twice as many staff kill themselves as inmates killed themselves.  Prayer 37 in the Episcopal prayer book is for prisons and 2/3/of it concerns staff not inmates.  It was a hell of a way to make a living.

[Hush]

Your joking wardenerd!
Anyhow another tragedy has overtaken this one, another Officer died today, massive stroke at base of neck (well that's how it was explained to me) poor old Hawea, nice guy and a 20 year veteran of the NZ Prison service.
I'm really lost for words here?..................