Speaking before the International Conference of Police Chaplin’s in Buffalo, Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb gave a presentation about post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and Law Enforcement Suicide.

"I've been brought here to talk to you about two specific topics, said Whitcomb as he began his presentation.

He says those who protect others like first responders, police officers, emergency room staff, educators and faith leaders need better protection of their own, urging their administrators to spark a cultural change and put programs in place to help them.

“I’m on a personal crusade. We need to be more cognizant of the emotional and psychological injuries that are so very prevalent in these professions that have this inherent consistent systematic exposure to traumatic events," said Whitcomb.

It’s something the 32-year law enforcement veteran knows all about, as he started his personal crusade 13 years ago after he lost his best friend and colleague former Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John, the first Native American sheriff elected in the state, and struggling with PTSD.

“We prepare law enforcement officers with all types of weapons and all types of training in the academy, but we do not teach them the resiliency skill sets of how to take care of themselves emotionally and psychologically," said Whitcomb.

John shot and killed himself on August 18, 2009 on the reservation in Coldspring.

"He sent me a text message advising me he was going to kill himself. He told me where he was. And he asked me to protect his wife. And he follows through," said Whitcomb.

Whitcomb served as his undersheriff.

“He was one of my best friends. He was so influential for me early in my career. And his loss was not just devastating to me. It was devastating to our community. It was devastating to his family," said Whitcomb.

Sheriff Whitcomb took us to the spot on Sunfish Road where Dennis drove that morning. It was only his third time going to the site.

"His car was parked right up there," Whitcomb pointed out.

He then walked the short distance along the trail. Tim saw the body in the field, Dennis's boots sticking out of the grass. 

“It’s not tough. I feel close to Dennis. This is not a bad place anymore," said Whitcomb.

From that tragic day, Whitcomb created his presentation after he was asked to speak at the State Sheriff's Association's Winter Conference with a goal of sparking change and sparing the heartbreak of a losing a loved one.

“Tragedies are terrible opportunities to waste. It gave me some incentive to do something good with something that was very painful," said Whitcomb.

Whitcomb now takes his message across the country in hopes of preventing others from getting the message Dennis sent him.

“I want to remove the stigma. I’m a spiritual guy. And many, many moons from now, I hope I have the opportunity to meet my friend once again. And when I do I want to be able to look at him and tell him I did everything with a bad situation that I possibly could," said Whitcomb.

In addition to law enforcement, part of Sheriff Whitcomb's presentation also includes the impact of PTSD on the U.S. Military and war veterans. He also shares some of his own personal bouts with the condition, which is why he says he also finds his discussions with others therapeutic.

And that’s why Cattaraugus County Sheriff Tim Whitcomb is your 2022 Red Cross Real Hero Law Enforcement Award winner.