When Trish Buchanan's husband, a police officer in East Hartford, Connecticut, took his own life because of post-traumatic stress disorder, she searched for a way to make sure no other first responder had to go through what her husband experienced. Buchanan partnered with the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement to found Believe 208.
The number 208 was her husband's badge number, and the organization helps first responders cope with depression and PTSD. They link police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service workers to support groups and provide resources to help them cope with the stresses of their jobs. Believe 208's upcoming event is the annual 5K race, which remembers first responders who have taken their lives because of work-related stress.
For Buchanan and her family, it is a difficult but rewarding time.
"[My husband] helped so many people while he was living and doing the job that he did," Buchanan told Eyewitness News 3. "I'd like to think that through his death we're going to save people also, and I'd like to think that he's smiling down on us."
This year's race will be held on Sept. 20 and will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus on Main Street in East Hartford.