Published: 6/11/2017 5:38:05 PM
LEYDEN — James “Jim” Hansmann, a detective lieutenant of the Leyden Police Department, died on Sunday morning in a parachuting accident, according to the town’s police chief.
Hansmann, 62, of West Springfield had been with the department for more than a decade, according to Leyden Police Chief Daniel Galvis.
Hansmann was seriously injured while parachuting at Ellington Airport in Connecticut, according to a statement from the Connecticut State Police.
He was treated on the scene by emergency responders and then taken by helicopter to Hartford Hospital where he died. Connecticut state police said there was “no criminal aspect” to the incident and the parachute was working properly.
Galvis said Hansmann had been with the department since 2003.
“We’re devastated,” he said.
Galvis said beyond being well liked by all of his colleagues, he was continually getting certified in new areas that benefited the department.
“Everyone is in a state of shock,” he said.
Hansmann had broken several cases in Franklin County throughout his tenure, according to Galvis.
“He was a huge presence in this department and he’s really going to be sorely missed,” Galvis said.
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