Officer Michael E. Jensen

Syracuse Police Department

Date of Death: April 14, 2024

On April 14, 2024, Syracuse Police Officer Michael E. Jensen was on patrol when he observed a vehicle driving erratically near Hamilton Street and Emerson Avenue. After the vehicle fled at high speed, Officer Jensen and his partner used surveillance footage and registration information to identify the owner and track the vehicle to a residence on Darien Drive in Liverpool, New York. Upon arrival, officers discovered the suspect vehicle in the driveway with assault rifle ammunition visible inside. Moments later, they heard the unmistakable sound of a round being chambered. Officers took cover behind their patrol vehicles and nearby trees. What followed was an ambush. The vehicle's registered owner approached from the rear of the residence and shot Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy Lieutenant Michael Hoosock, mortally wounding him. The suspect then advanced to the front of the residence and opened fire on Syracuse Police Officers. Officer Jensen was struck. He did not falter. Disregarding his own wounds and his own life, he returned fire — expending every round of his service weapon — and ended the threat, saving the lives of his fellow officers. Officer Michael E. Jensen was rushed to Upstate Medical Center by his fellow officers. Despite the heroic efforts of his fellow officers and the medical staff who received him, Officer Jensen died of his wounds. He gave everything. He saved everyone he could. He will never be forgotten.