Veteran East Hartford officer kills himself

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) --  A 24-year veteran of the East Hartford police department was found dead Tuesday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

Officer Paul Buchanan shot himself inside the police station around 9:00 a.m.

He was treated by paramedics and rushed to Hartford Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Buchanan joined the department in 1989. During his career he worked as a training officer, Community Outreach Officer and investigator with in the Criminal Investigations Division.

In a news release, the East Hartford police department said "Officer Paul Buchanan was a highly decorated Police Officer who had two life saving awards, a meritorious service award, and several letters of commendation.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Paul Buchanan's family and friends during this tragic time."

State and East Hartford police are investigating the shooting.