Nation's Largest Suicide Prevention Organization Presents "Hero Award" to Santa Monica Police Sergeant for Dedication to Suicide Prevention

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --First responders are often on the front lines of suicide prevention. On March 8, 2016, Sgt. Brown of the Santa Monica Police Department saved the life of a man in the midst of a suicide attempt in front of the Santa Monica Courthouse. He acted quickly and heroically to save a life, and has brought greater awareness of suicide prevention through his continued efforts as a member of the department's Crisis Negotiation Team, and as one of the founding members of the department's DARE program. For his lifesaving work, and longstanding dedication to suicide prevention education and training, Sergeant Brown is being recognized with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Hero Award.

The award is presented by AFSP's Greater Los Angeles Chapter at 2pm on Tuesday, September 6 at 333 Olympic Drive in Santa Monica, during National Suicide Prevention Week which is September 5-11, 2016.

"There is a role for everyone to play in learning more about preventing suicide. It can be as simple as learning the suicide risks and warning signs, and if you're concerned about someone, listening to their story and getting them to help," said Anne Marie Ankers, AFSP Greater Los Angeles Board Chair. "Today, we recognize a first responder who acted quickly during a moment of crisis, and who has shown a dedication to suicide prevention. We applaud him and hope that this encourages other first responders to learn more about what role they can play in preventing suicide."

AFSP's Hero Award is given to a first-responder (paramedic, firefighter, police officer, or emergency service personnel) who has demonstrated longstanding dedication to preventing suicide through conversation, education, physical action, or by providing lifesaving aid to someone in crisis.

Media wishing to attend the ceremony or interview the award winner is asked to contact Traute Winters at [email protected].

Suicide in California
Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 in California. On average one person dies by suicide every two hours in the state. Suicide cost California $4,246,494,000 in 2010, or an average of $1,085,227 per suicide death. Suicide is the 11^th leading cause of death overall in California. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention