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 Joanna Putman
Police1
FULTONDALE, Ala. — A deputy has died by apparent suicide while attending a training event, WVTM reported.
The incident occurred Feb. 15 when Elmore County Sherriff’s Office Deputy Steven Earl Sims II, 43, was found in a cruiser with a gunshot wound, according to the report.
The deputy had been attending a training event about techniques for conducting sex trafficking stings for the week.
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin later confirmed that Sims was one of his deputies, calling him a “great guy,” according to the report. Sims had served with the sheriff’s office for several years, Franklin said.