CINCINNATI — As officers get ready to bury one of their own, the Hamilton County sheriff said at least 100 officers showed up for peer support or counseling. 

What You Need To Know

  • Trauma left behind after a Hamilton County deputy was killed while directing traffic has officers seeking peer support 

  • Forensic psychologists said the traumatic events from this week can trigger post traumatic stress syndrome

  • Psychologists suggest talking with someone and not bottling up feelings of grief 

From the make-shift memorials to the dozens of officers in court with black stripes over their badges, it’s clear the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is in mourning.

“We had a peer support call last night. Two deputies who needed peer support, we gave the location, 100 deputies showed up for that peer support," said Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey. 

Officers asking for support from the crash that killed Deputy Larry Henderson. He was hit while directing traffic Friday.

The driver accused of killing him is Rodney Hinton Jr. Just before the crash he'd just watched body cam video of Cincinnati Police shooting and killing his son. 

"Police officers as human beings will feel both identified with the loss of a comrade, as well as identifying with that potential loss of themselves. and they it wouldn't be uncommon for them to be identified with what Mr. Hinton went through with regards to the loss of his son, so there’s a parallel," said Forensic Psychologist Dr. Ken Manges. 

While Manges is not working this case, he’s testified in countless others. He said the traumatic events this week can trigger post traumatic stress syndrome especially in officers who might be constantly exposed to trauma. 

He said even if they don’t say it, there are signs someone’s suffering.

“When someone becomes irritable or they may oversleep or they may not be able to sleep or they may have a loss of appetite or they may overeat as a way to bury their feelings," said Manges. 

He said the key is to talk to someone.

“Talking with other people, talking with family members, being close to family members, occupying your time, not using toxins, whether it be alcohol or drugs, but rather attempts to have a clear mind, do things that are coming and relaxing as opposed to overly stressful if they can," said Manges. 

It’s the reason the Hamilton County sheriff said she’s going to continue to have counselors and therapists available as the department gets ready to bury one of their own.

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