Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, June 11, 2001
Release # 199-01

Contact: Sunny Mindel / Sid Dinsay (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI PRESIDES OVER STREET RENAMING CEREMONY
IN MEMORY OF POLICE OFFICER KENNETH HANSEN

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik and the family of the late Police Officer Kenneth Hansen during a street renaming ceremony in Brooklyn. Coney Island Avenue, between Gravesend Neck Road and Avenue W, will now be known as "Police Officer Kenneth Hansen Way."

Mayor Giuliani said, "Officer Hansen brought honor to the department he served and the badge he wore. In the five and a half years Kenneth wore the uniform, he earned a commendation, three meritorious citations, and three excellent police duty awards. In fact, the day before Kenneth passed on, he rescued a number of people, including two kayakers and some boaters from an overturned sailboat. Officer Hansen was truly an example of New York's Finest."

Commissioner Kerik said, "Officer Hansen continued his family traditions by proudly serving in the NYPD's Harbor Unit. And up until the day before he left us, Kenneth Hansen performed his duties to the fullest-saving the lives of several people in a boating accident. He truly upheld the NYPD's reputation as New York's Finest-giving his life so that he might save the lives of others."

Police Officer Kenneth Hansen was born in Brooklyn on November 10, 1964. He became a Police Officer in January 1986 and worked in various assignments, including Brooklyn's 69th and 61st Precincts and the Harbor Unit. For the Hansens, police work was the family business, and during his tenure with the department, Kenneth was able to serve at various times with his father and brothers.

On June 11, 1991, Kenneth was posing as a victim during an air-sea training operation. Tragically, while in the waters off Battery Park, he was swept away by the strong currents. On May 1st, 2001, Mayor Giuliani signed a bill officially renaming the section of Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn "Police Officer Kenneth Hansen Way."

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