By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A memorial service honored two Minnesota first responders killed during a 2019 domestic violence call in Minneapolis.
• Firefighter Jason “Jake” Thoreson and Minneapolis Police Officer Brian Hanson were killed at a duplex fire while assisting other officers.
• The event included remarks from department leaders, family members and colleagues.
• Attendees reaffirmed commitment to remembrance and support for affected families.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. — Firefighters and law enforcement officers gathered this week to honor the memories of Firefighter Jason “Jake” Thoreson and Minneapolis Police Officer Brian Hanson, who were killed in the line of duty during a 2019 domestic violence response.
Thoreson and Hanson died while responding to a report of a domestic violence incident that escalated into a fatal attack as they operated at a duplex fire in north Minneapolis, according to officials and family accounts shared at the ceremony.
The memorial service included remarks from Fire Department and Police Department leaders, who highlighted the service and sacrifice of both men and reflected on their enduring impact within the public safety community.
Family members and colleagues also spoke at the event, sharing personal reflections and honoring the careers and lives of Thoreson and Hanson.
Attendees reaffirmed support for the families of the fallen and acknowledged the continued risks faced by first responders on complex calls, with plans for ongoing remembrance activities.