Drummondville, Quebec – April 13, 2025 — The community of Drummondville is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a local police officer, whose death is believed to be a suicide. While details remain limited as the investigation continues, the news has shaken the town and raised urgent concerns about the mental health struggles faced by law enforcement officers.
Behind the uniform, police officers carry a weight that many don’t see—exposure to trauma, violence, and constant stress. For some, that emotional burden becomes too much to bear. Sadly, this isn’t the first time such a tragedy has struck Quebec. In 2019, Officer Patrick Bigras of the Sûreté du Québec died by suicide after years of battling PTSD from a traumatic case he worked in 2009. His story, like today’s, speaks to a wider problem: far too many officers are suffering in silence.
Research shows that police officers are over five times more likely to experience psychological injuries than workers in other fields, with more than 75% having faced traumatic incidents on the job. Yet stigma, lack of support, and limited access to proper care often stop them from getting help.
Recognizing the crisis, the Association of Police Directors of Quebec is working with the Ministry of Public Security to roll out a province-wide mental health initiative aimed at giving officers better access to support. While major cities like Montreal have already made progress, smaller towns like Drummondville are still playing catch-up.
This tragedy is a painful reminder that mental health in policing can no longer be ignored. Officers who dedicate their lives to protecting others deserve protection, too—not just from physical harm, but from the emotional toll of their work. As the province mourns, it also faces a choice: to treat mental health as a priority, and to ensure no more officers suffer in silence.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
Quebec Suicide Prevention Line: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
Text Support: 535353
Online Resources: suicide.ca
You’re not alone. There is support. There is hope.
