Suicides don’t normally make the evening news, but one of them is tonight after a cop killed himself this morning. Another cop attempted to take his life less than 5 days before, and we’ll get to that, but first to the very tragic story of Constable Edward Gonzalez.Â
Right now, the Queen Street Police Formation, where he was stationed is still trying to grapple with his death. The 34 year-old constable shot himself in the head early this morning around 2. Gonzalez was with 2 other officers outside of the Queen Street Police Station when he suddenly pulled out his licensed gun and shot himself. Gonzalez’s suicide has stunned his colleagues and today at a press briefing, they told us they didn’t see this coming. Courtney Weatherburne has the story.
PC Edward Gonzalez went to work every morning at 7:00 sharp. He was always right on time for the routine inspection and briefing sessions. Gonzalez became known for his promptness, tidiness and good police work.
But early this morning right in front of his workplace, he shot himself in the head.
ASP Desiree Phillips - OC, Eastern North Division
"From what we were able to gather so far is that Mr. Gonzalez was on duty at the police station along with other police officers. He was standing outside conversing with two other police officers and it was in that process of conversing with them that he reportedly took his licensed firearm and fired one single shot to the head."
According to police, Gonzalez had just come back from patrolling Victoria Street and was going to change/switch shifts with another police officer. So he and two other officers took their break right on these steps. Everything was fine, until Gonzalez pulled out his gun.
ASP Desiree Phillips - OC, Eastern North Division
"He was just being himself, he was joking with them, it was like a split second something just in the split second, a moment. He was laughing talking with them. One went inside the police station to get a cup of coffee, while leaving the other one having a coffee with him and that just happened."
It comes as even more of a shock because no one expected this from such an outwardly happy officer.
ASP Desiree Phillips - OC, Eastern North Division
"Well I know that PC Gonzalez is a police officer who has worked in different field within the police department in different district in different units and we have had the pleasure of working with him here for maybe 3 years; and we have known him to be a very happy, jovial friendly person always joking around. It is very shocking to all of us, the entire police department is saddened by his passing we're very devastated."
But Gonzalez’s reality was concealed behind that cheerful façade and the Employee Assistance Program focuses on bringing those truths to light and helping police offices live a healthy and productive life.
ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Easter Division Rural
"It is very difficult for us at times to identify when officers are going through problems but nonetheless we have a very effective employee assisted programme through the Ministry of Public Service where we have a cadre of counsellors that are provider for officers who we believe needs counselling and some of them who would volunteer to be counselled as well."
But unfortunately, it’s too late for Gonzalez and now the only lingering question now is.. Why?
ASP Desiree Phillips - OC, Eastern North Division
"You all will agree that unless their warning signs to indicate to you that something is wrong then there isn't much that you as a person, as an organization, as a department can do and this is one of the cases that we have on our hands. I know that in circumstances like this the overriding question will always be why? Is any of us in any capacity to truly answer that question? I don't think so. So the why will remain for a very long time."
Gonzalez had been a police officer for 13 years. He leaves behind one daughter.Â
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