LOWER MANHATTAN, New York City (WABC) -- Colleagues, families, friends and supporters held a vigil in support of the NYPD Monday night in the wake of an alarming string of suicides within the department.
The candlelight vigil took place Monday night on the steps of New York City Hall, on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed each year on September 10.
[Ads /]
The gathering honored the memory of nine officers who have died by suicide this year, including seven since June.
The event was also an effort to reach out to officers who may be struggling with emotional distress.
[Ads /]
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 741-741 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Even if it feels like it, you are not alone.
----------
* More New York City news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube