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VPD reports nearly 48% rise in calls for suicidal threats and attempts; residents urge proactive prevention
Summary
Detective Sergeant Holmes told council that calls for suicidal threats and attempts rose from 21 in 2024 to 31 year-to-date (a 47.6% increase); residents asked for comparative data and earlier intervention and the department pointed to crisis resources and increased officer training.
Detective Sergeant Holmes of the Vermilion Police Department told the council on Dec. 8 that the department has seen a sharp rise in mental-health crisis calls this year. "We've seen a 47.6 percent increase in these mental health crisis calls over our 2024 statistics," Holmes said, adding that there were two tragic suicide deaths investigated by VPD in November.
Holmes said the department has completed mandated continuing professional training for officers and that a majority of officers have Crisis Intervention Team certification. He encouraged residents in crisis to call 911 or use resources such as the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) and the Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center (419-626-5623).
Members of the public asked for precise figures and comparisons with other cities. Holmes provided the raw counts in response: 21 reported suicide threats/attempts in 2024 (Jan. 1 through Dec. 8, 2024) versus 31 in the same period in 2025, explaining that increased reporting and awareness can drive higher counts even as agencies seek better outreach.
Residents urged proactive prevention. "It'd be nice to help them before the crisis," one resident said, asking the city to look at causes and prevention strategies. Holmes noted the calls span ages from teenagers to elderly residents and that around the holidays there may be increased incidence of depression and alcohol use, though nationwide studies do not show a direct correspondence between holidays and suicide.
The department said it will continue outreach and education and signaled continued coordination with county crisis resources.
