NASSAU, N.Y. -- A state trooper who earned the Girl Scouts' highest award and was an honors student killed herself with her division-issued weapon, State Police said Monday.
Fishermen discovered the body of Trooper Kerstin S. Williams, 27, on the southern shore of Nassau Lake at about 9 p.m. Sunday near Lake Shore Circle Drive, troopers said.
An autopsy conducted Monday confirmed the cause of death, said Capt. Scott Coburn of Troop G in Latham.
Williams did not leave a suicide note, troopers said.
Details about the self-inflicted wound were not disclosed by State Police.
Williams' death comes as the nation's law enforcement leadership has devoted more time to discussing the causes of officer suicides and developing ways to prevent them.
Studies and statistical reviews have found that "law enforcement officer deaths by suicide were twice as high as compared to traffic accidents and felonious assaults during 2012," according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police report "Breaking the Silence on Law Enforcement Suicides."
The report notes that between June 30, 2009 and Monday there were four suicides involving members of the State Police. That's over a five-year period. It also recommends police agencies conduct training and intervention to prevent officer suicides.
Williams joined the State Police in November 2012. After graduating from the State Police Academy, she was assigned to Troop F in Liberty, Sullivan County.
Williams' last shift was Thursday. She then had the weekend off, Coburn said.
Williams, a lifelong town resident, earned the Girl Scouts' Gold Award, which was presented at a 2004 ceremony at the Executive Mansion in Albany. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose in 2008 with a bachelor of science degree and was named to the dean's list.
"Trooper Williams always had a positive attitude and was eager to do a good job while on the road," Maj. Patrick Regan, the Troop F commander, said in a statement.
"She was well-liked by both her peers and supervisors and showed the skill set and potential to have an outstanding career with the New York State Police," Regan continued.
Troopers were stunned by Williams' death, Coburn said. Investigators into her death and troopers who worked with her have access to counseling through the Employee Assistance Program, Coburn said.
Copyright 2014 - Times Union, Albany, N.Y.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
