Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 29, 2023

Corporal Thomas Martin Hanson built a rec room onto his house for a safe place for the neighborhood kids to go. His wife Karen, would set up crayons and coloring books in the kitchen so the kids had a place they could talk about their problems. I was one of those kids. His passing deeply sadden me, and I get a teary eye when I think of that time. I will always be grateful for the kindness they showed me.

Terry Brown, citizen
Neighbor

September 26, 2018

RIP Sir, you served well.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 21, 2012

Rest in Peace, Corporal Hanson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 28, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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

Rest In Peace

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

December 29, 2011

Corporal Hanson - Two Fridays ago I stood in the State Assembly chambers when your name was one of the almost 250 read off during a vote regarding next month's Police Memorial Week. You are not forgotten. Thank you for your service to the people of Pueblo and the state of Colorado. May God grant you eternal rest and may his perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

May 4, 2010

I remember you through another Officer I lived across the street from who was my mentor in a troubled time in my life, Sgt. John Sheehan, now deceased. I was back in Pueblo after 26 years, and remember the night you died protecting the citizen's of Pueblo at 9th/Grand. Rest in peace my friends, you both will always be remembered and respected.

Randy Holtz, Paramedic Cpt.
Crawford County, KS. EMS

November 16, 2008

I carry the poem "A Part of America Died" with me and think of you each and every day Dad. I try to remember you with a kind deed or word to someone who needs it because that is how I remember you. I miss you, your laugh and growing up without your guidance but I know we will see each other again... someday. Love, Jami

Jami (Hanson) Smerdu
Daughter

February 20, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 29, 2007

"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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

September 25, 2007

Corporal Hanson, you will never be forgotten. R.I.P.

Deputy
EPSO

December 18, 2006

Cpl. Hanson was my father's partner for some time, and his son and I grew up together. While my father was not there to prevent this tragedy, I still remember the tears my father shed at the end of that shift.
You are not forgotten, Corporal. Your name and picture hang as a reminder to us all at PPD. Your name will forever be listed with the other heros who have given their all for their community.
Rest in Peace.

John Griggs
Pueblo Police Department

January 31, 2006

You have not been forgotten. I used to think of you often when I drove past 8th/Grand. Your family must know, you have not been forgotten by the officers, the dispatchers, or the public. Rest in peace.

Former Dispatcher
Pueblo Police Department

October 18, 2005

THANK YOU
you have done all you can
we have the watch now,
please look over us

March 11, 2005