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Fire chief who was face of the department after Oklahoma City bombing died

Chief Hansen was a well-respected fire service leader, not only within the Oklahoma City Fire Department, but throughout the state and the nation

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The Oklahoman

OKLAHOMA CITY — Jon Hansen, the spokesman for the Oklahoma City Fire Department during the 1995 Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing, has died.

An Oklahoma City fire department official confirmed Hansen died early Friday.

The former Oklahoma City federal building was destroyed at 9:02 a.m. April 19, 1995. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 168 people.

A news release from fire District Chief Benny Fulkerson Friday states: “The Oklahoma City Fire Department is saddened to learn of the passing of Assistant Fire Chief (retired) Jon Hansen. Chief Hansen passed away this morning in his home with his family at his side.”

“Chief Hansen was a well-respected fire service leader, not only within the Oklahoma City Fire Department, but throughout the state and the nation. 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,” Fulkerson stated.

Hansen began his career with Oklahoma City in November 1973. He was promoted through the ranks and became fire marshal for the department in 1995, where he served for three years. As assistant fire chief, he served as the public information officer.

Before his retirement, Hansen’s own house was hit by the deadly May 3, 1999 tornado that hit Moore and south Oklahoma City. Hansen worked throughout the night and for days that followed providing updates to the local and national media.

After his retirement in July 1999, Hansen continued to serve the fire service in various capacities.

“Our thoughts, support, and prayers are with Cory, Jill, Norene, Kathy, and other members of Chief Hansen’s family as they navigate through this difficult time,” the fire department news release states.

Hansen retired after serving 26 years as an Oklahoma City firefighter.

He was executive director of Oklahoma’s Council of Firefighter Training at the time of his death.

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 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 general manager of an Oklahoma City emergency vehicle and equipment retailer and manager of a crisis communications and public relations company.

Hansen also gave occasional presentations to students about the traumatic but historic Oklahoma City events.

He was born at Camp Pendelton Marine Corps Base in Oceanside, Calif., and his family moved to Oklahoma City four months later.

He graduated from Northeast High School in Oklahoma City and studied at Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma.

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(c)2016 The Oklahoman

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