Editor’s Note: Suicide is always preventable. If you are having thoughts of suicide or feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline immediately at 988. Counselors are also available to chat at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Remember: You deserve to be supported, and it is never too late to seek help. Speak with someone today.
By Jackie Martin
The News Herald, Southgate, Mich.
GROSSE ILE, Mich. — The Detroit River was so cold Saturday morning, when 25 people took a plunge in it honoring the life of Luca Sizemore, one would think the cheers, chatter and laughter could be heard more than 700 miles away in Atlanta.
That is where the 23-year-old served as a police officer.
Sizemore, a former Woodhaven resident, died by suicide on Jan. 9, 2024.
The gathering was the inaugural Law Enforcement’s Unite Crusade Against Suicide Polar Plunge.
It was held at Sunrise Park in Grosse Ile, which is located at the eastern end of Grosse Ile Parkway and East River Road.
Officers from Brownstown, who coordinated the plunge, as well as Gibraltar, Grosse Ile and a retired officer from Allen Park jumped at the opportunity to support the Sizemore family and the foundation.
In total, there were about 12 officers who accepted the challenge.
Brian and Evan Sizemore, Lucas Sizemore’s father and brother, respectively, were the first in the water.
Just prior to jumping in, the father spoke to the participants and all who gathered to express his gratitude for the show of love.
Shortly after, the rest of the group made a splash.
The plunge was planned to take place the Saturday before his birthday, which fell on Feb. 24 this year.
“This was great,” Brownstown Township Deputy Police Chief Andrew Starzec said. “We are already planning for next year.”
Starzec has been participating in various plunge events for the past four months now and said this was probably the coldest one he has done.
It was windy and he said the water was about 34 degrees.
Along with Brownstown police, the Sizemore family partnered with the Ice Island Dippers to bring the community together and make a positive impact under tragic circumstances.
The foundation is accepting donations to assist families like the Sizemores.
More than anything, Starzec said their efforts meant the world to the Sizemore family.
He said Monday, which was Sizemore’s actual birthday, was a bit difficult for the family.
“This is a healing opportunity for them,” Starzec said of the supportive gathering.
The deputy chief said it’s a start to putting their lives back together and taking steps to move forward.
Anyone who would like to get more information on making a donation and efforts to bring awareness to suicide among police officers can do so at lawenforcementsunitedcrusadeagainstsuicide.com.
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