Both police officers who lost their lives this week in Salina are being remembered as exemplary citizens. Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen joined the department in 2022. Four years prior, he earned his degree from LeMoyne College. Originally from Rome, New York, Jensen was a member of the club hockey team and played as a defenseman. He developed a friendship with former club hockey coach Bob Shattell who says Jensen was a great athlete.
“He always had the same grin on his face, smiling ear to hear, a happy go lucky kid," Shattell said. "There was never a bad in Mike Jensen’s life. The type of kid you constantly wanted to constantly be around because his happiness was infectious. I’m extremely proud to be able to say I coached him and to know him on a personal level, because I’m honored and extremely proud at the young man he grew up to be.”
Shattell adds that Officer Jensen was just like his parents, extremely happy, grateful and appreciative. He feels fortunate his friendship continued after he graduated, and saw him weekly at local gym.
The other officer who died in the line of duty gave 16 years of service to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Toby Shelly says Deputy Michael Hoosock is fondly remembered for his many roles in the community.
“He is a very active member of Moyers Corners Fire Department. If you went to any bomb call in this area, he was the commander of the bomb squad," Shelley said. "He was just a good guy. He was an EMT. Just a pillar of his community.”
Shelly adds that no one ever had a bad word to say about Deputy Hoosock. He spent a year studying at LeMoyne. To honor both officers, the college will be flying flags at half mast on the quad through April 22nd.
