Family of Officer Ramon Goux speaks out, calls for more focus on first responder mental health

ELKINS, W.Va (WDTV) - On Friday, June 14, deputies with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department responded to a suspicious vehicle call in the small Hawks Nest community just outside of Elkins. It was there they found 29-year-old Elkins Police Officer Ramon Goux dead from a gunshot wound.

Hours later that evening, the Elkins Police Department released a statement saying Goux had taken his own life.

WDTV’s Caine Pittman spoke with Goux’s younger brother, Jordan, to learn more about who Goux was.

“He always protected his siblings, his baby siblings,” Jordan said. “He was the most caring person I ever knew.”

Since the pandemic, there has been a renewed focus on combatting mental health in police departments. Advocates say first responders often see some of the most horrible sights in life and struggle with it in silence.

“Research shows from the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center says that having at least five people that people do talk to on a regular basis about meaningful experiences in life tend to be happier individuals,” said Douglas Cyr, clinical director of the First Responders Support Network.

While a push to destigmatize mental health is underway nationally, Jordan thinks there’s still a long way to go.

“We provide them with their material things, but we don’t take care of their minds as well,” Jordan said. “We need to make sure there is some type of area or make sure they’re getting more mentally, as well. That’s the only thing they need to take better part of.”

Jordan wants Ramon to be remembered for more than the end of his life. Instead, he wants his brother to be honored for the family he built and the community he served.

“He cared for his babies. He wanted to do everything he could to make sure they were okay. He wanted to protect them, care for them and love them, as well as his wife, as well as the rest of his family,” Jordan said. “He did love his badge, but that was the only thing he loved more.”

If you or anyone you know is having a mental health crisis, please call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

From all of us at WDTV, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Goux and Elkins Police Department families.

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