The Madison County sheriff’s deputy who made homophobic comments on social media about a Huntsville teen who died by suicide after he was bullied for being gay has resigned from the department.

Madison County Deputy Sheriff Jeff Graves, who had been suspended last week for his comments about 15-year-old Nigel Shelby, resigned from the sheriff’s office Friday following a hearing into the claims against Graves and policy violations that he made, Sheriff Kevin Turner said in a statement.

An internal investigation “uncovered multiple violations of both county and sheriff’s office policies,” Turner said. The sheriff did not say what those violations were.

Graves’ comments, in which he said the LGBT movement was “fake” and that he was outraged by LGBT individuals, were posted to a story on Nigel’s death from a Huntsville television station and later deleted.

"Liberty

Guns

Bible

Trump

BBQ

That’s my kind of LGBTQ movement

I’m seriously offended there is such a thing such as the movement. Society cannot and should not accept this behavior," Graves posted.

Turner gave the following statement while announcing that Graves is no longer with the sheriff’s office.

“The Madison County Sheriff’s Office mission is to serve ALL citizens of Madison County, regardless of their gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. We must be able to serve and protect everyone without hesitation, and if we don’t have the community’s trust we can’t succeed in our mission. I hold myself and every other employee of the Sheriff’s Office to a high standard, and we will not lower that standard. As one of the few Sheriff’s Offices in the southeast to earn CALEA accreditation, we have shown we can achieve a high level of professionalism. I can assure everyone that we will constantly strive to ensure that our agency does not just stay at its current level but continues to look for ways to improve. I appreciate the patience and trust the community has afforded us during this investigation, and I hope with the closure of this investigation we can move forward and continue to build on our partnerships within the community.”

Here are warning signs to watch for if you fear someone is suicidal and resources that can help those thinking of harming themselves or who fear a loved one might harm themselves.

WARNING SIGNS

Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself.

Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.

Talking or writing about death, dying, ''ending the pain'' or suicide.

Feeling hopeless.

Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking.

Feeling trapped - like there's no way out.

Increasing alcohol or drug use.

Withdrawing from friends, family, social support and society.

Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time.

Experiencing significant mood changes.

Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.

Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge.

HOW TO HELP

Ask the person directly if he or she is having suicidal thoughts, has a plan to do so, and has access to lethal means.

If you think the person might harm him- or herself, do not leave the person alone.

Take seriously all suicide threats and all past suicide attempts, even if he or she minimizes your concerns.

Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.

Be willing to listen and be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life or whether suicide is viewed by some as a sinful, selfish or angry act. Respect that suicidal feelings are most likely related to ending emotional or psychological pain.

Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support. Take into account other trusted friends, family members or allies who can be a part of a supportive team.

Don't dare him or her to do it.

Don't act shocked. This may translate as criticism or judgment and weaken trust between you.

Don't be sworn to secrecy. Acknowledge that all suicidal risk is to be taken seriously and firmly and gently explain that you are seeking support.

Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.

Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.

Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Resources in Alabama

Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition

Crisis Center, Inc. (Birmingham)

Crisis Services of North Alabama (Huntsville)

Lifelines/Family Counseling Center of Mobile

Sources: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and The Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition