Retired Oklahoma City assistant fire chief Jon Hansen died Friday morning at his home in Oklahoma City after a battle with cancer.
Hansen served as the public information officer for the department on April 19, 1995. 168 people died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to one of the best. R.I.P. Brother Jon Hansen pic.twitter.com/wMcq8ZcdvD
— Oklahoma City Fire (@OKCFD) April 15, 2016
"Chief Hansen was a well-respected fire service leader, not only within the Oklahoma City Fire Department, but throughout the state and the nation,” District Chief Benny Fulkerson said in a statement. “His positive influence will be missed, but the impact he made on those who knew him will be a permanent one. His contagious, positive demeanor truly touched many hearts and lives over the years."
Gov. Mary Fallin, who was Oklahoma's lieutenant governor in 1995, called Hansen an "instrumental figure" in Oklahoma City's recovery after the bombing.
"His calm voice reassured everyone who was watching that process with an implied promise that we could overcome the terror of that tragic morning," Fallin said in a statement. "He personified the Oklahoma Standard before we had even put a name to it. He will be missed.”
Hansen first joined the department in 1973, and retired after a 26-year career. At the time of his death, he served as the executive director of the Oklahoma Council of Firefighter Training, according to his obituary in The Oklahoman:
Hansen was a published author as well as a firefighter. He wrote Oklahoma Rescue, his memoirs of the event, while off duty. It was published just over two months after the bombing. Hansen was also nominated by President George W. Bush in April 2002 to head the U.S. Fire Administration, but asked that his name be withdrawn so that he could spend more time with his family after his retirement from the fire department. The job would have forced Hansen to live near Washington, D.C. while his daughter, then 9 years old, remained in Oklahoma City. Hansen chose instead to continue working as the general manager of an Oklahoma City emergency vehicle and equipment retailer and manager of a crisis communications and public relations company.
Jon Hansen, one of my dearest friends from my days at the Capitol, has passed away. I will miss you, brother. pic.twitter.com/fYDroRFElT
— Joe Dorman (@JoeD4OK) April 15, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers for Jon Hansen's family & to @OKCOFT. Chief Hansen was a great leader and leaves a legacy pic.twitter.com/h8xYcaJCWy
— DelCity(OK)FireDept (@delcityfire) April 15, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of (RET) Assistant Chief Jon Hansen #okcfire RIP sir. You will be greatly missed.
— Oklahoma Co. Sheriff (@OkCountySheriff) April 15, 2016
KGOU relies on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department.
