Frank Ray, a former police officer turned country musician, is using his platform to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by police officers. Ray, who spent a decade as an officer in Las Cruces, New Mexico, before retiring, is committed to breaking the taboo surrounding officer mental health and preventing suicide and alcohol abuse as coping mechanisms. He has been named the honorary chief ambassador of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s ambassador program.
Ray launched the FRAY campaign this year, which stands for “first responders’ mental clarity.” Through this campaign, he aims to encourage discussions about mental health among police departments and officers. He is also working with members of Congress to expand the campaign’s reach.
The issue of officer mental health has become increasingly urgent, with a recent study showing that law enforcement personnel are 54% more likely to commit suicide compared to the general population. Several police departments have experienced clusters of suicides in a short period, highlighting the need for greater support and awareness.
Ray believes that the wave of anti-police rhetoric in 2020 contributed to the decline in officers’ mental health. He emphasizes the importance of humanizing police officers and recognizing their struggles beyond their role in law enforcement. Ray acknowledges that the fight to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the police force will be a long one, but he hopes to encourage officers to prioritize their well-being by talking to friends and loved ones.
In addition to his advocacy work, Ray is involved with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, an organization that honors officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. He frequently discusses the work of police officers during his music tours and visits fire and police departments to promote his FRAY campaign and raise awareness about the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Ray also emphasizes the importance of officers engaging in hobbies and self-care activities like hunting, fishing, and exercise to cope with the stress and emotional toll of the job. He urges officers to recognize that they are human beings who are susceptible to mental deterioration and encourages them to seek support when needed.
The work of Frank Ray and his commitment to officer mental health have received recognition from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, which appointed him as honorary chief ambassador. Through his music and advocacy, Ray hopes to remove the negative stigma surrounding mental health in the police force and ensure that officers receive the support they need to maintain their well-being.
