Ethan Hansen becomes third generation police officer

WASHINGTON - It's safe to say the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree for Washington Police Officer Ethan Hansen.

Hansen has become a third generation law enforcement officer, following in the footsteps of his father, uncle and grandfather.

'I wanted to be a police officer ever since I can remember,” Officer Hansen said.

Growing up around in a law enforcement family, he said he had a passion for it and never considered anything else. His father, Lt. Hansen, was a big inspiration to him as was his grandfather, Trooper Hansen, who worked for the Iowa State Patrol, and was based in Washington.

Lt. Hansen said he, too, was inspired to become an officer after watching his father. He said he was never pushed into choosing a law enforcement career and never wanted to do that to Officer Hansen either. He said he encouraged his son to find a career that would keep him financially stable and benefit the community as well.

'It was just something that we grew up with. Every morning I saw the uniform and it meant something to me and really stuck out to me and directed my life,” he said.

Officer Hansen attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy 83rd Basic Level through Hawkeye Community College and graduated on Oct. 25. He said the training took about two months and taught skills that ranged from basic firearms to medical training to learning how to respond to individuals during a crisis.

Upon graduation, Officer Hansen worked for the Anamosa Police Department and was sworn in at the Washington Police Department on Nov. 12. Having grown up in Washington, he said being able to work alongside the officers he grew up with is a great feeling.

'I just like working for a department and a city that appreciates their law enforcement,” he said.

He said he feels that because he is able to work in his hometown, he has an additional level of understanding he can apply to the job because he knows what people are going through and understands where people are coming from. Going to the schools and connecting with students is a goal of his, he said, because he wants the kids to understand he has been in their shoes and is a resource for them.

Lt. Hansen said having a son that followed his career path into law enforcement makes him very proud, but that does not stop him from worrying. He said his main concern is that his son is safe throughout his career but being with the department for nearly 35 years himself, he understands and respects the commitment to wanting to make a difference in the community.

'My biggest concern is I hope he retires an old gray man with little or no injuries, but (also) that he looks back at this in 20 years and sees a gratification that he made a difference,” he said. 'Ultimately you have to support your children in whatever they want to do and this is something he always wanted to do.”