Police Officers Memorial Ceremony, Introduce Legislation to Dedicate Highway in His Name
Albany, NY – Yesterday, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) and Senator Joseph Griffo (R-53) stood in reverence at the annual New York State Police Officers Memorial Remembrance Ceremony, held in Albany just steps from the Capitol. Each year, this ceremony honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. As of today, 1,908 names, officers from across New York State, from 161 different police agencies, are now permanently engraved into the wall, including that of Syracuse Police Officer Michael E. Jensen, a native of Rome, NY.
Officer Jensen, just 29 years old, was killed in the line of duty on April 14, 2024, while responding to a violent standoff in Salina. A graduate of Rome Free Academy and Le Moyne College, Michael was a gifted athlete, an accountant turned officer, and a beacon of selflessness. He had served with the Syracuse Police Department for just 2½ years when his life was taken alongside that of Lieutenant Michel Hoosock of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office.
“Today, we etched not only a name into granite, we etched a legacy into the heart of this state,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “Officer Jensen died protecting others. And today, New York paused to say: we will never forget. Michael was more than an officer. He was a son, a brother, a teammate, a protector. His loss has left a hole in our community, but his memory will continue to light our way.”
“Today’s New York State Police Officers Memorial Remembrance Ceremony in Albany was a very moving and special tribute to the men and women in law enforcement from around the state who sacrificed their lives and wellbeing while in service to others. Sadly, the names of Officer Jensen and Lt. Hoosock have been added to the memorial wall. We honor and remember these two heroes, remain forever grateful for their commitment to serve and protect and keep their families and loved ones in our prayers,” said Senator Griffo.
To recognize Officer Jensen’s life and service, Assemblywoman Buttenschon and Senator Griffo have introduced legislation A8264/S7760 to ceremonially dedicate a portion of State Route 46 in Oneida County from Prospect Avenue in Rome to Dixon Road in the Town of Western in honor of the fallen officer. This symbolic dedication honors Officer Jensen’s legacy and will be seen by generations to come, carried forward in the very community that raised him.
“May all who drive that road remember not just the tragedy of his death, but the beauty of his life,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “Officer Michael E. Jensen was the best of us, and we will never stop honoring him.”
“Syracuse Police Officer Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Hoosock are heroes. Instead of running from danger, they – like all our first responders so admirably do – ran towards it, demonstrating remarkable courage while putting themselves in harm’s way. Dedicating a portion of this road in memory of Officer Jensen is one small way that we can honor him and his family, recognize his service to his community and ensure that his legacy will never be forgotten,” said Senator Griffo.
The New York State Police Officers Memorial, divided into 22 panels of polished black granite, places names randomly, without rank, reminding all that every life lost in service carries equal weight. Today, the sound of bagpipes, the silence of salutes, and the gentle tracing of names reminded all that the lives behind those names were filled with purpose, love, and valor.
The legislation is expected to take effect immediately upon passage.
“This isn’t just a piece of legislation,” Buttenschon added. “It is a symbol of service, sacrifice, and the extraordinary life of a young man who loved his hometown and gave everything to protect others. Dedicating this roadway in his honor ensures that his legacy of service will live on. I extend my deepest condolences to Michelle and Paul Jensen and the entire Jensen family, his sacrifice and spirit will never be forgotten.”
