Drummondville, Quebec — April 13, 2025 — The sudden and tragic death of a Drummondville police officer has left the local community in shock and mourning. Though the officer’s identity and full circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, early reports suggest that suicide may have been the cause. This heartbreaking event has once again brought into sharp focus the mounting mental health crisis among law enforcement professionals in Quebec and across Canada.
Police officers, by the nature of their work, are exposed to traumatic events at a rate far exceeding the general population. From violent crime scenes to daily high-stress encounters, the accumulation of emotional and psychological strain can be overwhelming. While officers are often hailed as heroes, their invisible wounds frequently go unaddressed, leading to consequences as devastating as the loss of life.
This incident in Drummondville tragically mirrors past events that underscore the broader issue. One particularly well-known case is that of Sûreté du Québec officer Patrick Bigras, who died by suicide in 2019 after a decade-long battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from his involvement in a particularly harrowing 2009 investigation. Like many officers, Bigras suffered in silence for years, struggling with the lasting impact of his service.
Data reinforces the scope of this problem. Research conducted in recent years indicates that police officers are 5.2 times more likely to suffer psychological injuries than individuals in other professions. More than 75% of officers report having been directly exposed to traumatic incidents, yet far fewer seek mental health support—often due to stigma, lack of access, or institutional barriers.
In response to these alarming trends, the Association of Police Directors of Quebec (ADPQ) has taken meaningful steps to address the gap in mental health care. Partnering with the Ministry of Public Security, the ADPQ is working toward implementing a standardized, province-wide mental health program tailored specifically for law enforcement personnel. While cities like Montreal have already instituted mental health units and wellness programs within their police departments, rural and mid-sized municipalities such as Drummondville still lag behind, often lacking the infrastructure or funding to provide consistent support.
Advocates stress that it is no longer acceptable to treat mental health in policing as a secondary issue. Proactive measures must include comprehensive mental health screenings, regular debriefing sessions, confidential support services, and an organizational culture that promotes seeking help as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
The death of the Drummondville officer is a painful reminder of what is at stake. As Quebec continues to grapple with how best to protect those who protect us, the call for comprehensive and compassionate reform grows louder. Now more than ever, police departments, government agencies, and communities must come together to build a system that supports the psychological well-being of officers—before another life is lost.
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 Resource: suicide.ca
Your life matters. You are not alone. Reach out, speak up, and take the first step toward healing.
