CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Counselors are ready to help first responders who were impacted by the death of a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer who died Monday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

What You Need To Know

  • Resources are available to support officers following the death of an officer due to self-inflicted gunshot wound

  • Dr. Nikki Vasilas and her team at Rock of Refuge are trained to help law enforcement and military members

  • Vasilas said they are the first responders of first responders

Spectrum News 1 chose not to identify him because of our guidelines and out of respect for his family. 

He had been with the department for 18 years and was most recently assigned to the K-9 unit. In addition, he served in the U.S. Navy. 

“It's a very sad day for our department, and it also stresses the fact of the importance that we talk about every day when it comes to the mental health of our officers and the fact that they see and do things that normal people don't see and do. And that takes its toll,” Chief Johnny Jennings said Monday during a press conference. 

Dr. Nikki Vasilas, the founder and owner of Rock of Refuge Counseling Center in Gastonia, specializes in law enforcement and the military. 

Vasilas is the daughter and niece of former law enforcement, and her husband was in the National Guard. 

She said her uncle died by suicide and when she also saw people dishonoring and disrespecting officers, she wanted to help. 

“I couldn’t stand by and watch that happen to them. While I have breath in my body, I will always advocate for them,” Vasilas said. 

The certified first responder counselor said this type of work requires additional layer of training, which includes a supervised experience, and understanding the way trauma translates into the life and work of a first responder or a military member. 

“We are the first responders for the first responders, and we have to be willing to sacrifice to give back to them as a way to say thank you. And it's not something that is just a simple job or a career,” Vasilas said. 

Sometimes she responds to scenes to support law enforcement, including in the aftermath of the shooting in April where four law enforcement officers died in Charlotte. 

In addition, they accommodate to their schedules, if needed.

"That even being so we have crisis lines for them so as we develop relationships with these officers, they have our crisis line number that they can call us and know that we will answer at any time if they are in the middle of a distressing event or just need to talk. And I think that is the biggest thing that we have seen goes a long way into supporting the first responder community is relationship,” Vasilas said. 

These relationships can go a long way to support officers before it’s too late. 

CMPD said officers responded to the scene in southwest Charlotte and tragically found one of their own with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

“It breaks my heart because there’s no reason in the world that these types of things should be happening,” Vasilas said. "You know, I think people think that these wellness programs or the services that we can offer these officers is some type of mountain to be scaled. And it's something difficult. It's basic. It's simple, and it starts with relationships, but you also have to have resources and you have to be accessible.”

Vasilas helped develop the wellness program at CMPD and now is helping build the program for the York County Sheriff’s Office. 

At Rock the Refuge, she trains mental health professionals to help law enforcement, including Erin Thompson. She has military and police in her family.

"Crisis situations are very important for first responders. They deal with crisis every day all the time. And they have to trust me. They have to trust someone that will be there for them, that will hold their composure and be a first responder for them. Just being the calm in the storm is enough. You know, just listening, being there for them,” Thompson said. 

Vasilas said CMPD officers are likely affected by the losses the department has had in the last few months. 

“If you need to talk about it, find someone that you trust. Don't hold it in. The more you talk. The less pressure is contained. That bottle won't explode over time,” Vasilas said. 

She emphasized no officer should suffer in silence and encouraged them to search for certified first responder counselors online. They can also call the crisis line for officers COPLINE or dial the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988.