Hanson retiring after 40 years with BBPD
After 40 years of wearing the badge of the Broken Bow Police, Captain Dan Hanson is retiring. His last day on the job will be June. 5.
Hanson said he can’t single out an an individual event that stands out above the others.
“There were a lot of events and memories,” he said and added that technology brought a lot of changes to law enforcement. “There were a lot of different laws and a lot of technology we had to learn. How to write e-citations, things like that.”
One could say Hanson was at the forefront of computer technology for the Broken Bow Police Department. “I remember the first computer system we had was a DOS system,” he said with a smile. “It was a Tandy from Radio Shack.”
Hanson said he and BBPD Chief Steve Scott were friends in high school. After graduation, Hanson went to college to become a teacher. At some point, he and Scott talked and Scott suggested Hanson go into law enforcement. Hanson joined the BBPD in 1983.
The Broken Bow City Council recognized Capt. Hanson at the May 23 council meeting.
City Administrator
David Schmidt expressed appreciation on behalf of the mayor, council and city. “For 40 years, and that’s a long time, there has been a constant in Broken Bow and that constant has been Dan Hanson on patrol,” Schmidt said. “Because of his courage, dedication and commitment, Broken Bow has been a better place to live. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.”
Broken Bow Police Chief Steve Scott presented a plaque of appreciation to Hanson, saying, Hanson’s “great career represents law enforcement well.”
Hanson thanked the council, administrator, mayor and city, saying, “It’s been a pleasure to serve Broken Bow and its citizens.”
Mayor Sonnichsen added, “Thank you, Barb, for sticking with him. That is needed as a police officer.”
Council member Paul Holland and David Baltz congratulated Capt. Dan Hanson on his upcoming retirement from the Broken Bow Police Department. “Thank you, Dan, for your years of service to the city,” Holland said. Baltz said, “Good luck in retirement. Enjoy it.” Mayor Sonnichsen added, “What they said, triple it.”
Hanson is looking forward to retiring, however, there are things he will miss. “I’ll miss the camaraderie among the officers,” he said. “We’re all kind of a family.” His wife, Barb, said the biggest change for her will be that her husband will be around nights and weekends. Hanson commented that he has a lot of things to do around the house, though Barb contradicted that, saying, “He’s always been a doer. He’s done things around the house.”
Hanson said he will take a month or two to relax, then will look for something to occupy his time. Barb explained that retirement will most likely include, “Going to the lake, boating, camping, spending time with the grandkids and motorcycling.” The couple has nine grandchildren.