Members of law enforcement took part Saturday in Beyond the
Badge’s Strikeout Suicide softball game, where they aimed to turn tragedy into
an opportunity for the next generation of officers.
Teams gathered at Baldwin Harbor Park to raise money and
awareness for suicide prevention among the ranks.
“We want this game to encourage people to know there are
people who will rally behind you if you come forward for help,” said Michelle
Panetta, of Beyond the Badge.
Of the six NYPD officers who died by suicide this year,
three were from Long Island.
Amanda Mullaney is mourning the loss of her husband, NYPD
Deputy Inspector Denis Mullaney, of Wantagh. Their 5-year-old son threw out the
first pitch.
“We have to love our law enforcement. What they do for us
for everybody, they don't get enough credit and they deserve all the credit,”
she said.
Nationally, nearly 200 police officers committed suicide
last year.
“People don't call us when they have happy news. They call
us in the worst moments of their life,” said Thomas Shevlin, from Nassau
police’s Employee Assistance Office. “We're dealing with negativity on a daily
basis and after a while, it builds up. We are human.”
Beyond the Badge aimed to raise $10,000 from the event that
will go toward scholarships and suicide prevention programs. Saturday marked
the third annual Strikeout Suicide softball game.