Drummondville, Quebec – April 16, 2025 — The heart of Drummondville is heavy with grief following the devastating loss of Officer Alexandre Montminy, a respected member of the local police force who tragically died by suicide on April 11. His passing has not only shaken his colleagues and loved ones but has deeply impacted the entire community he served with unwavering commitment. The somber news highlights an increasingly urgent issue—mental health struggles among those who work in public safety.
Officer Montminy was more than just a law enforcement professional. He was a compassionate figure known for his kindness, dedication, and quiet strength. His role as the godfather of the Voltigeurs de Drummondville hockey team was a testament to his community spirit and willingness to mentor and uplift youth. The team, in mourning, paid tribute to his impact, expressing heartfelt condolences and honoring the gentle presence he brought into their organization, even during a brief time together. Their message, “Rest in peace, Alex,” speaks volumes to the sense of loss felt across Drummondville.
Behind the badge, however, Montminy battled silently with struggles that are all too common in the world of policing. Across Quebec and beyond, police officers face a significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population—a fact supported by multiple health and public safety studies. These professionals encounter trauma regularly, from life-threatening emergencies to tragic accidents, all of which take an emotional toll over time. While they are trained to stay calm under pressure, there is often little room in their environment for vulnerability or open discussions about mental health.
Data from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) reveals the magnitude of the issue. In 2021, the province reported over a thousand suicides—equating to roughly 12 per 100,000 inhabitants. Among public safety workers, the numbers are even more concerning. From 2015 to 2021, Quebec saw an average of three police officer suicides annually, with incidence rates as high as 37.8 per 100,000 officers in some years. These figures are a stark reminder that behind every uniform is a human being coping with immense psychological burdens.
The psychological challenges that officers face often include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and at times, substance use—issues that are strongly linked to suicidal thoughts and actions. Yet, within the culture of law enforcement, there remains a persistent stigma around seeking help. Many officers fear being perceived as weak or incapable, and this mindset contributes to a dangerous silence around mental health.
Fortunately, models of effective intervention do exist. The Montreal Police Service (SPVM), for example, developed a suicide prevention program in the 1990s that included internal education, a confidential peer support hotline, and tailored mental health training. Over time, this initiative contributed to a reduction in officer suicides, proving that proactive, compassionate strategies can save lives.
As the Drummondville community mourns Officer Montminy’s tragic death, there is a shared responsibility to push for systemic change. His memory now serves as a powerful call to action—one that urges local and national agencies to make mental health a core priority in law enforcement. It’s not enough to honor his life with words alone; his legacy must be one of improved understanding, openness, and support for every officer facing mental health challenges.
Anyone in distress is encouraged to seek help. In Quebec, the suicide prevention hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553). Support is confidential, free, and accessible for anyone in crisis or seeking to help someone else.
The community will continue to remember Officer Alexandre Montminy not just for his badge, but for the man he was—steadfast, kind, and caring. Let his story inspire change, healing, and a renewed commitment to protect the protectors.
