After 35 years in law enforcement, 27 of those years serving the City of Brentwood, Chief Thomas Hansen has announced his plans to retire September 30, 2022. Chief Hansen has served as the Brentwood Police Department’s Police Chief since 2017.
Being sworn in as an officer in 1995, Chief Hansen has held the ranks of Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Police Chief. During his tenure as Police Chief, he worked with city staff and the Brentwood City Council to add a total of 12 additional positions with five being Patrol Officer positions and one being a Community Engagement Officer position. City Council and Chief Hansen also worked together to establish the approval of implementing a fifth police beat, which will increase the proactive community policing efforts. In 2018, Chief Hansen worked with police department staff and was able to establish and implement a Naloxone program. This program allowed him to equip each of his officers with an opiate overdose reversal medication, administered to those suffering from an opiate overdose. In 2021, Chief Hansen spent a period of time at city hall as the Acting Assistant City Manager.
Chief Hansen shared:
“I am incredibly proud of the men and women that make up the Brentwood Police Department. These past few years have been extremely difficult for our profession, but we have worked together with our community to successfully weather the emerging challenges. I want to thank the community of Brentwood for putting their trust in me to serve as your police chief; I hope I exceeded your expectations. I have lived the majority of my adult life as a police officer, and as I return to civilian life, Brentwood will never be far from my heart!”
City Manager Tim Ogden said he considers Chief Hansen a friend more than a colleague and stated:
“Tom has redefined the industry standard for Police Chief’s with his passion and love for law enforcement, his tireless dedication to serving everyone in the community, and unparalleled expertise in leading one of the finest police departments. He will be missed, but we’re excited for him to enjoy this next phase of his life with his family.”
An internal recruitment will initiate soon, and City Manager Ogden anticipates the new Police Chief to be in place by September 28, 2022 with a transfer of command ceremony being planned.