Firefighter of the Year: Engineer Chris Hanson

Exchange Club of Champaign honored Champaign Fire Department’s 2012 Firefighter of the Year, Engineer Chris Hanson and his wife at a noon luncheon last Monday. Eng. Hanson joined the Champaign Fire Department in July 1997.

Eng. Hanson exemplifies departmental leadership with strong, consistent, and passionate efforts toward excellence by growing the Champaign Fire Department’s Honor Guard and by incorporating the Honor Guard as a recognized mainstay at many events and ceremonies.

“Chris has been and continues to be a driving force in efforts to honor and dignify our profession,” said Fire Chief Douglas Forsman.

Eng. Hanson devotes much effort to the cause of professionalism both on and off duty. He has upgraded the fire department’s retirement program to a highlighted Walk Out Ceremony. Champaign Fire Department’s commemorative programs have become best practice for fire departments across the State of Illinois.