An analysis of suicides among first responders ─ Findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2015–2017

•First responders face unique work stressors that may elevate their suicide risk.•The National Violent Death Reporting System allows suicide deaths to be examined.•First responder decedents accounted for 1% of all suicides from 2015-2017.•Intimate partner, job, and physical health problems were more frequent.•More detailed research may inform future suicide prevention efforts.