Officer Dead of Apparent Suicide at East Hartford Police Station

A 24-year-veteran of the East Hartford Police Department was pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital on Tuesday after being found with an apparent self-afflicted gunshot wound inside the police department.

Police identified the officer as Paul Buchanan, the recipient of two life-saving awards, a meritorious service award and several letters of commendation. 

He was found around 9 a.m. and paramedics from the East Hartford Fire Department treated Buchanan, then transported him to Hartford Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, according to police.   

East Hartford Police and State Police are investigating the shooting.

"Officer Paul Buchanan had proudly served the Town East Hartford as a Police Officer since 1989. Officer Paul Buchanan’s career included working in the Patrol Division as a Field Training Officer, a Community Outreach Officer, and a Fleet and Scheduling Officer. He also worked in the Criminal Investigations Division as an Investigator," East Hartford police said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Paul Buchanan’s family and friends during this
tragic time."

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