FARMINGTON — Former Utah congressman James V. Hansen was recognized with the “Heart of Davis Award” from the Davis County Commission Tuesday.

The Farmington resident will formally receive the award during the Davis County Gala at the Davis Conference Center in Layton Oct. 28.

Hansen has been a Farmington resident for the past 51 years. He started his public service there on the planning commission and city council, and was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 22 years, filling a number of leadership positions.

“Jim Hansen’s fingerprints can be seen on virtually everything throughout Davis County,” said Commission Chair John Petroff.

The longtime congressman actively supported the building of the Legacy Highway and is credited with helping protect Hill AFB from closures in 1995 and 2005.

“The breadth of things that have been influenced by former Congressman Hansen – you can see that all across the county,” said County Commissioner Bret Millburn.

“What comes immediately to mind is his passion and involvement with Hill AFB, and keeping that strategic facility viable, not only in Davis County but the state as a whole.

“Transportation was always a big thing for him,” Millburn said. “He played a major role in what Davis County has benefited from here today – the Legacy Highway, U.S. Highway 89, which was named after him.”

“He has been a dedicated public servant,” said Gala Committee Chair Diane Townsend. “He has been a positive role model and leader for all of us to admire.

“He has always been tireless in his continual effort to make where we live better. We’re excited that we can honor him.”

The Heart of Davis award was inaugurated last year as a way to recognize an individual or group that “has made a significant impact to the betterment of Davis County.”

Layton resident Deb Tanzi, who was involved in supporting so many charitable causes in the county, including the gala, was honored posthumously as the award’s first recipient.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com