Atlantic City Police Receive Suicide Prevention ‘Lifesaver’ Award

The Atlantic City Police Department was presented the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention New Jersey Chapter’s 2020 Lifesaver Award on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

 The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention NJ Chapter recognized the Atlantic  City Police Department for their life saving efforts and continued commitment to mental health.

The department was recognized in part for the heroic actions of two ACPD officers who pulled a distraught man from a parking garage ledge at the Claridge in October.

Back in August, the Atlantic City Police Department lost one of their officers to suicide. Richard Kink, 29, was found found in his car in Galloway Township after taking his own life.

The ACPD helped to raise over $16,000 to offset the expense of Link's funeral and to help his family with a GoFundMe campaign.

 Eric Evans, a detective with the Atlantic City Police Department and a friend and co-worker of Richard Link's established the fundraiser. He remembered his friend on the GoFundMe page.

Just saw you at work Friday up in the office and hit me with your famous line “it’s great to see you, how are you doing.” You could always count on Link brining a smile to your face. The most upbeat guy, and always happy to be at work.

The city, the victims you went above and beyond for, and everyone that worked with you will truly miss you.

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, yet many people affected by suicide don’t talk about it, afraid of making others uncomfortable by bringing up the subject. They may also think there is nothing they can do to prevent it from happening to others, but the research shows us otherwise. Suicide can be prevented and there are things everyone can do to help stem this tragic loss of life.

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741