Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace
John Albert Hanson

Sgt Perry Cashion
U S Army Military Police 62nd MP Co Okinawa

December 12, 2024

Mr. Hanson (the way you address Agents) was younger than most of the other Agents and we younger troops liked and respected him. I was in the 895th MP Company, assigned to MP Operations at Camp Kue. Some of the Agents had rooms on the 3rd floor of our building (there were 3 complete MP Companie in 3 barracks and other operational buildings. We had two complete CID Detachments, it was a very big unit). I had been at Stilwell Fieldhouse that day and stopped at the "Desk" area of Operations and it was buzzing. I was told that Agent Hanson was missing. The Duty Officer told me to get in uniform, there was a search being assembled. He was believed to be in the heavy jungle like ravine that separated Cmp Sukiran from Cmp Foster (which was a Marine Transport unit). There was a stream in the ravine but the sides were steep terrain. As we started we could see that there was evidence of a lot of foot traffic. As I recall, his body was found along the stream and appeared to have been pushed off the cliffs above. The investigation was resolved pretty quickly with Army CID and Marine NCIS involved. Within a few days we had a service at the church also in Camp Sukiran. Ironically, after the military I became a Deputy Sheriff in my home county in WV. I would become an investigator too, and work just short of 30 yrs. I often thought of S/Agent Hanson during my career and brought up the circumstances of his death in officer safety trainings that I would present to other officers over the years. Even after all of these years I still think of Agent Hansen, especially in May. In all my years in civilian LE, I have often thought of John especially in May. God bless you John, you are in the thoughts of many.

Det/Sgt (Sp 5) Tom Westfall, Ret'd
895th MP Co and Marshall County Sheriff's Department (Ret'd)

May 25, 2024

Investigator Hanson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 9, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you Hero and your family for your courage and sacrifice to this country. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson(Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 9, 2020

You, your family, and all members of CID are in my thoughts and prayers during National Police Week.

Leanne Heggen Eckstein
Surviving wife of SA Bud Heggen, USACIDC

May 13, 2018

Thinking of you on this day you were taking from us
Love you and miss you

Richard Hanson
Brother

May 9, 2018

John, on this Veterans Day, I want to thank you for your years of service and sacrifice you made for me and all Americans to be able to live in a land that remains free. I think of you often and saddened we never met but I carry you with me in my heart always.

Candy Hanson
Niece

November 11, 2017

Anothe year has gone by. As I get older I remember the good times we had we had growoing up. I miss you. I am so proud of you and i will always love you.

Richard Hanson
Brother

May 9, 2017

John, I want to thank you for proudly and unselfishly serving your country. it is unfortunate that you gave the ultimate sacrifice but your loyalty has allowed me to live my life and raise my children in a country that I am very proud of.

I am saddened that I had never had the pleasure of meeting you, your Brother Richard Hanson (my Dad) speaks of you with great regard as a brother and a soldier.

Candra Hanson
Niece

December 8, 2015

On this Veterans Day I want to tell that I appreciate everything you've ever done for me me and our country. I never got to talk to you before you left for Viet Nam and then to Okinawa. John my brother my friend my hero I miss you and it never gets easier. Walking down the street on Veterans day I hear thank you for your service and welcome home. You never got to hear any of this. Thank you for your service and wecome home. I love you

RICHARD HANSON
Brother SP5 US ARMY

November 11, 2015

My brother, my friend, my hero. I miss you

RICHARD HANSON
Brother

September 24, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.

Thank you for your heroism.

God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 9, 2015

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 14, 2012

Honoring your memory during National Police Week. Thank you for your service.

Leanne Heggen Eckstein
Surviving wife of SA E.M. Heggen, USACIDC

May 13, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 9, 2012

Remembering your service on the fortieth anniversary of your death.

Leanne Heggen-Eckstein
Surviving wife of SA E.M. Heggen, USACIDC

May 10, 2010

I miss you! Tell mom HAPPY MOTHERS DAY And say hi to dad for me

RICHARD

May 9, 2010

In a few days it will be 40 years since you left us. You have never been forgotten. I miss you as much now as I did 40 years ago. Knowing that you are there watching over us and you being with mom and dad gives us a sense of relief and pride. I LOVE YOU

RICHARD HANSON
BROTHER

May 1, 2010

Thank you for your service, Mr. Hanson.
Sincerely,
Leanne Heggen-Eckstein
Surviving wife of SA E.M. Heggen, USACIDC

Leanne Heggen-Eckstein
Surviving wife of SA E.M. Heggen, USACIDC

November 26, 2009

On the 39th anniversary of your death you are not forgotten.

Leanne Heggen Eckstein
Surviving wife of SA E.M. Heggen, USACIDC

May 8, 2009

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 12, 2008

During those years Okinawa was a hectic place to work. We had plenty of stress due to volume of violent cases. All agencies worked closely together and what a group it was. John always had a smile and a pleasant manner no matter how tough the going. I think he still has that smile! We all miss him. He served his country well.

Special Agent Laddie Hancock
NCIS at that time, Later Chief of Police

May 23, 2007

JOHN, MY BROTHER, I MISS YOU.
YOU ME AND GUY HAD ALWAYS RESPECTED AND LOVED EACH OTHER AND WE THINK OF YOU OFTEN.
I JUST FOUND THIS SITE AND AM SADDENED THAT I DIDN'T LEAVE A MESSAGE SOONER.
ON THIS DAY 9 MAY 2007 I THINK BACK AND MISS YOU EVEN MORE I READ A MESSAGE THAT THE PEOPLE YOU WERE AFTER WERE COUGHT BUT THAT DOESN'T EASE THE SORROW
WE LOVE AND MISS YOU
YOUR BROTHER RICK

RICHARD HANSON
BROTHER

May 9, 2007

John,

May you rest in peace. I knew you and often worked with you on Okinawa during those unsettled days during the Vietnam conflict when there were so many problems. The only peace I have is that I was one of the NCIS special agents - along with Special Agent Laddie A. Hancock and John J. Walsh who arrested the three Marines who you attempted to arrest for a narcotics violation.

Rest in peace my friend, I will never forget your dedication to law enforcement and that you gave your all.

Blair M. Gluba
Special Agent NCIS (Retired)

Special Agent Blair M. Gluba
Naval Criminal Investigative Service

February 15, 2007

Investigator Hanson,
On today, the 35th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service to our Country.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

May 9, 2005