To our Supporters:
My name is Michael Gallipoli and I was Ptl. Brett Hansen’s background investigator and training officer. I am writing this to let everyone know what kind of person he is.
Brett Hansen realized his dream of becoming a full time police officer with the Toms River Police Department in May of 2015. Brett was raised by his parents James and Laurie, along with his younger brother Tyler in Bricktown, NJ. Brett and his family are among the most humble and respectful people I’ve ever known. As I investigated his background, his neighbors would tell me stories of Brett and his brother growing up and how Brett would drop whatever he was doing to help them with whatever they needed. He was described as a “true blessing to his family and the neighborhood.” A clear picture began to emerge of a young man who was respectful and humble beyond his years. This was clear to anyone who had met Brett and to his coworkers today. I couldn’t to find a single soul with a bad thing to say about him! Above all, it was his dedication and unwavering love to his family that was truly inspiring. Much of Brett’s off duty time was spent with them and his extended family.
Tragically, Brett was involved in collision on the Garden State NJ Parkway on 01-04-17 and he is currently fighting for his life in ICU at Jersey Shore medical center. Brett’s injuries are so severe, that it is taking teams of surgeons to repair him. He is in a coma and is breathing by ventilator. His left eye has been removed and his right eye is feared to be only partially useful. Every bone in his face has been shattered and his lungs are badly damaged. He is only surviving by a miracle at this point. His family is by his bedside night and day, as are his brothers and sisters in Blue. He may never work as a police officer again. Because Brett had only been a police officer for a short amount of time, and his accident occurred off duty, he will not receive any retirement benefits if he can no longer remain employed.
Just days before his crash a man snapped this quick picture of Officer Hansen. He went to Al’s Pizza with his 6 year old daughter, and upon entering, he noticed an officer sitting and having lunch. His daughter went right up to him and said hi and sat there and they talked for about ten minutes. This is the kind of police officer that we all strive to be.
The family has requested that donations be made to “Brett Hansen Fund” Care of Toms River PBA 137, P.O. Box 5011, Toms River, NJ 08754 or at the families go fund me site “friends of Brett Hansen” https://www.gofundme.com/friends-of-brett-hansen