'There's so many people out there that want to help.' Retired officer honors son lost to suicide
Stephen Kear hopes that by sharing his son's story, those struggling, particularly first responders, will realize there's a way forward.
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Retired Police Officer Stephen Kear lost his son, Nassau Police Officer Matthew Kear, to suicide in 2025. Kear is sharing his story with News 12 so that others know they're not alone.
"There's so many people out there that want to help," Stephen Kear said. "Matt was the kind of person that everybody loved and he loved everybody.
Nassau County Police Officer Matthew Kear, the youngest of Stephen Kear's four sons, took his own life on Jan. 25, 2025. He was 27 years old.
Stephen Kear said his son struggled with PTSD.
"His stress level went up so high so fast it turned into what they call a psychosis." Stephen Kear said, "We lost Matt before we lost Matt."
Stephen Kear hopes that by sharing his son's story, those struggling, particularly first responders, will realize there's a way forward.
"There's so many people out there that want to help," he said.
He wants to erase the stigma that's often associated with police officers. That they ought to be tough. Kear says there's nothing wrong with suffering, and it's OK -- in fact, it's essential -- to ask for help.
In Matt's honor, Stephen Kear began a foundation named Matthew Kear's Paper Rose Project. It's named for Matt's love of making paper roses for those struggling and in need of a little boost. The foundation aims to provide emotional support to veterans, first responders and their family members. Stephen Kear said the ultimate goal of the foundation is to open art therapy centers where people can go on retreat.
The foundation will hold its second annual fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Mulcahy's in Wantagh at 6:30 p.m.
"I imagine Matt putting his arm around me and saying, 'It's going to be ok Dad, it's going to be OK,'" Stephen Kear said.
Kear said he can't wait to hug his son again.
