Police Officer Michael E. Jensen, Syracuse Police Department, New York

Police Officer Michael E. Jensen

Syracuse Police Department, New York

End of Watch Sunday, April 14, 2024

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Michael E. Jensen

Police Officer Michael Jensen and Lieutenant Michel Hoosock, of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed while attempting to locate a subject who had led officers on a vehicle pursuit earlier in the night.

The subject had fled from Syracuse police officers when they attempted a traffic stop. As officers terminated the pursuit and then went to the home on Darien Drive, in Salina, where the vehicle was registered. The officers requested assistance from the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office after locating the vehicle at the home and observing firearms inside of it. As they set up a perimeter around the home officers heard the subject manipulating a firearm inside.

Lieutenant Hoosock was in the backyard of a neighboring home when the man emerged from the home and opened fire on him with an AR-15, fatally wounding him. The man then went to the front of the home where he exchanged shots with other officers, fatally wounding Officer Jensen. The subject was also shot and killed during the shootout.

Officer Jensen had served with the Syracuse Police Department for 2-1/2 years. He is survived by his parents and sister.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 2 years, 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; AR-15
Offender Shot and killed

ambush, vehicle pursuit

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A portion of St. Rt. 46 will be dedicated to fallen Syracuse Police Officer Michael E. Jensen.

This is due to legislation sponsored by New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and assemblywoman Marianne buttenschon, D-Marcy.

The dedicated stretch will run from Prospect Street in the City of Rome to Dixon Drive in the Town of Western. The New York State Department of Transportation will install signage along the highway in the coming months.

A Rome Free Academy graduate, Jensen was known for his leadership and humility. He attended Le Moyne College and earned a degree in accounting and an MBA.

"I thank the governor for signing this bill into law," Griffo said. "By dedicating a portion of State Route 46 in honor of Officer Jensen, we are paying tribute to an exceptional individual and dedicated public servant who exemplified the highest ideals of law enforcement. This designation, fittingly located in the community that raised and meant so much to him, will ensure that Officer Jensen's honorable legacy will endure for generations to come."

assemblywoman buttenschon said that “Michael Jensen’s life was a shining example of courage, kindness, and commitment to others,” “He gave so much of himself to protect and serve, and our community is forever better because of him. It is deeply meaningful to know that his name will now live on through this highway, serving as a daily reminder of the sacrifice, love, and strength he brought to everyone around him. I hope this tribute brings his family some comfort, knowing his legacy will never be forgotten," she added.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

September 15, 2025