The Paid Leave Podcast
A Son's Ultramarathon Path to Healing after a Father's Tragic Suicide
Since 2013, more than 3,050 police officers have died by suicide nationally. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we talk to a son, whose father died by suicide while serving as an East Hartford Police officer. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month is focused on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting resources that can help prevent suicide. This is a story about grief, resilience, mental health, and what happens when pain gets carried for too long in silence. Jared Buchanan is a relentless motivational speaker and passionate advocate for suicide prevention, dedicating his efforts in honor of his father, Officer Paul S. Buchanan, who died by suicide at his own police station in East Hartford. He did leave a note to his family, and those words eventually inspired Jared, but initially enraged him. Jared is a Marine infantry veteran who discovered a transformative path to healing by conquering grueling ultramarathons spanning 100, 200, and 240 miles all in the memory of his father. He talks about his father, and his own anger, and the years and miles it took to find forgiveness and the work he needed to do for his own mental health. He is the focus of a documentary, Beautifully Broken. This was produced by Daniel Herzog who is a documentary filmmaker, creative producer, and friend to Jared. Beautifully Broken, shows Jared accomplishing an ultramarathon and how he found healing, peace and understanding along the way. He runs for his father and carries his picture with him. Daniel says he realizes that while the subject matter is difficult, the film serves to create connection and move conversations regarding mental health forward. He talks about Jared's transformation and positive attitude while running these grueling races. They talk about suicide and emotional trauma, but they also talk about finding meaning after loss. Jared and Daniel discuss the impact of their work through public screenings and speaking engagements, which they both find incredibly emotional and important. Jared earned his master’s degree at Sacred Heart University in 2025 and is a practicing unconscious-based psychotherapist, who helps and encourages other police officers and first responders to talk about their struggles. Jared says he has helped people utilize CT Paid Leave in his practice. He finds the time allowed away from work to heal and the intermittent leave incredibly important. If you or someone you know is struggling, please use the suicide and crisis hotline, 9-8-8 For more information about the documentary, Beautifully Broken, please visit, https://www.beautifullybrokendocumentary.com/ (beautifullybrokendocumentary.com) For information or to apply for benefits please visit, https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US (ctpaidleave.org) https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave
