Sgt. Juarez described Asst. Chief Hanson’s leadership a “welcome change” and noted that he had initiated much positive progress in a short period of time.Hanson became the SPPD’s first Asst. Chief due to the recommendation in the Arroyo Management Audit, which urged that the position be created.Asst. Chief Hanson noted that in actuality he doesn’t expect retirement to be a permanent state: “I more than likely will go back to work at some point but I have no immediate plans. I certainly am going to continue to help with the transition...one of the things I told Chief MacKinnon a long time ago is that is a goal. That’s why I gave as much as notice as I did,” announcing his Sept. 30 departure date almost two months ago.That transition includes helping Chief MacKinnon implement his strategic plan, “Get some promotions going this summer and find a replacement for me...things that will also smooth the transition for me” noted Asst. Chief Hanson with his characteristic humor.Married to Eleanore for 31 years, the couple has two grown sons, Brian and Mike.The Hansons have been active in youth activities with Mark serving the Santa Paula Nation-Y Indian Guides, AYSO assistant soccer coach, SPB&GC board director, assistant chairman of two Santa Paula Air Shows and as past President of the Kiwanis Club.
33 years of dedicated service: Asst. SPPD Chief Hanson to retire
July 26, 2006
Santa Paula Police Department
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By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesAfter 33 years with the Santa Paula Police Department Asst. Chief Mark Hanson is retiring...but not quite yet.Hanson, a native Santa Paulan and self-described “Airport Brat” will retire September 30th, capping a long career with the SPPD starting as a Reserve and moving up through the ranks, including a stint as Acting Police Chief before the city hired Chief Steve MacKinnon.“I plan on doing a whole lot of chores around the house, things I’ve been putting off for awhile and haven’t had time to dedicate to,” said Asst. Chief Hanson, a dedicated handyman. “I’m not going to live by the clock anymore...who knows, I might like being a bum.”He first became interested in police work when friends discussed the SPPD Reserve program and upon joining Asst. Chief Hanson realized there were “things that I liked and thought I’d be good at,” such as crime scene investigation.He embarked on a career gaining knowledge of and experience in all aspects of law enforcement.Promoted to Commander in May 1987, Asst. Chief Hanson noted that the SPPD has always had a “great track record of Reserves becoming officers because we allow them to do more than other departments.”Known as a tough but fair boss Asst. Chief Hanson said that the SPPD has a “great core of officers...” especially loyal considering department budget constraints.In November when Chief MacKinnon was hired SPPD Sgt. Carlos Juarez said that - although pleased with the selection - the Officers had been disappointed that Asst. Chief Hanson had not applied for the top spot.
