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A Longtime Sheriff’s Suicide
The Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office has recently revealed the cause of death of its former sheriff, Ron Cramer, who died in September 2021. According to the Eau Claire Police Department, which conducted the investigation, Cramer died by suicide as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His body was found by two county employees along the Eau Claire River in the town of Seymour.
Cramer had been serving as the sheriff of Eau Claire County since 1996, and was set to retire in January 2022 after 47 years of working with the sheriff’s department. He was a respected and beloved leader who had a positive impact on the community and his staff. He was also involved in various initiatives and programs, such as the Drug Endangered Children program, the Mental Health Court, and the Veterans Court.
The Role of Stress and Anxiety
During a press conference on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, Eau Claire Police Chief Matt Rokus said that stress and anxiety related to work and health issues “played a major role” in Cramer’s death, but did not elaborate on the details. Rokus also said that Cramer’s death highlights the need for peer support and mental health counseling for law enforcement officers, who face daily challenges and traumatic situations in their line of duty.
According to Bluehelp.Org, a nonprofit organization that tracks law enforcement suicides, 1,138 officers nationwide and 21 officers in Wisconsin died by suicide between 2017 and 2022. The website also provides resources and assistance for officers who are struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts.
The Efforts to Improve Mental Health Services
Acting Eau Claire Sheriff Cory Schalinske, who joined Rokus and Cramer’s wife Cheryl at the press conference, said that the sheriff’s office is expanding its peer support efforts, where officers are encouraged to confide in one another if they are facing increased stress from work or other aspects of their lives. He said that Cramer was committed to his staff and understood the importance of self-care and taking care of each other.
Schalinske also said that staff members are being asked to meet with a mental health professional for mandatory wellness visits to receive self-care techniques and tips. Additionally, after a tragic event, sheriff’s office staff who were on the scene are provided with debriefing and counseling, as well as an opportunity for one-on-one counseling with a mental health professional.
A similar approach is being taken within the Eau Claire Police Department, Rokus said. He said that they want to build a culture where it is okay to talk about difficulties and seek help when needed. He also said that they do not want to sensationalize or ignore the issue of mental health for all first responders.
A Tribute to a Fallen Hero
Cramer’s death has shocked and saddened many people in Eau Claire County and beyond. He was remembered as a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about his community and his colleagues. He was also praised for his professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
