Retiring Dallas Police Officer Will Continue Working on Police Mental Health Issues

She swore to protect and serve the Dallas community. For over 20 years, Diana Mathis-Thornton has helped patrol Southeast Dallas.

Mathis-Thornton later became interested in counseling and returned to school to complete her master’s degree.

“Suddenly my path began to change and I realized that this was my second calling,” Mathis-Thornton said. “I didn’t realize that counseling could be done without a consulting license. I just was who I was.”

She continued to answer calls for help from her siblings in blue as a peer support coordinator. She also helped launch the Wellness Unit dedicated to solving mental health officers who responded to murders, fatal accidents, and other traumatic incidents through counseling.

“I coordinate, advise, educate and provide mental health guidance to approximately 100 supporters and checkpoint officers, jurors and civilians of all ranks,” Mathis-Thornton said. “Together with my like-minded people and the checkpoint staff, I provide confidential assistance to colleagues to all employees Dallas Police Department.”

Some of these calls, which could come at any time of the day or night, were difficult.

“I have had several officers who had suicidal thoughts and I even stayed on the phone for three to four hours and helped them until they got out of this dark place,” Mathis-Thornton said.

After more than 31 years of service, Mathis-Thornton retired from her position with the Dallas Police Department.

On Tuesday afternoon, family, friends, doctors, government leaders and officers celebrated the Mathis-Thornton service.

And while the Dallas police sergeants who spoke at the celebration said there are big problems, Mathis-Thornton aims to serve the officers as a licensed therapist.

“They will be my clients and I can really work with them on a deeper level to help them find health and deal with issues and problems,” said Mathis-Thornton.