MN Assistant Chief Dies After Response to Incident

Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 for Hopkins Assistant Fire Chief James 'Jimmy' Scanlon who died Friday after going into cardiac arrest the day before.

Scanlon, 38, was with the department for 14 years, and served as its assistant chief since 2019, according to The City of Hopkins press release. 

On Wednesday, Scanlon responded to a fire alarm at an apartment complex. The next day, within 24 hours, he was returning from his regular job when he began to feel ill and pulled off to the side of the road. He went into cardiac arrest, and was transported to the hospital where he died, the U.S. Fire Administration reported. 

“Jimmy was known for his superior knowledge of IT, commitment to the City and willingness to help out however he could. He will be deeply missed. Our condolences go out to Chief Scanlon’s family," Hopkins Fire Department Chief Dale Specken said in the city statement.

Scanlon also worked for the Hopkins Police Department for 16 years as a Reserve Officer, Dispatcher and Public Safety Officer. He left the department in 2016 for professional growth and an opportunity with the City of Bloomington’s police department.

Hopkins' officials added that in his resignation letter from the Hopkins Police Department, Chief Scanlon stated “I will always value the experience and professional connections I have made with members of this department…I look forward to continuing to work with members of the Hopkins Police Department through my position with Hopkins Fire."

He leaves behind his partner Kat Willette, children Arabella (15), Killian (6) and twins Laina and Liam (4). 

A visitation for Chief Scanlon will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. 

The city’s flags are at half-staff and will remain at half-staff through the day of Chief Scanlon’s funeral.