Syracuse, N.Y. — Michael Hoosock’s career in public service began when he was just a teenager.
Hoosock was one of two police officers killed Sunday night while responding to a call on Darien Drive in Salina.
Murphy then ran to the front of the house and fired at Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen, killing him.
“The guy was amazing,’’ said Michael Brown, chief of the Moyers Corners Fire Department, where Hoosock volunteered for the past 17 years.
In 2007, Hoosock went to work at the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant.
Hoosock received several commendations during his career at the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Shelley said today.
Hoosock fired his weapon at a man who had opened fire inside the transportation center.
… Should we fail, and Lord knows we will, we must be there for each other today, and then work to be better tomorrow.” Did you know Lt. Michael Hoosock?
Syracuse, N. Y. Michael Hoosock started working in the public sector as a teenager. Then, on Sunday night, 22 years later, he was shot and killed while performing his duties during a shootout in Salina.
Hoosock, 37, of Clay, was a captain in the Moyers Corners Fire Department and a distinguished 16-year veteran of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. He also volunteered as a firefighter.
He had three young children and was married.
Two police officers were slain on Sunday night while responding to a call on Salina’s Darien Drive, including Hoosock. Sheriff Toby Shelley stated today at a press conference that Hoosock, who was among the first people on the scene, became suspicious when he heard the sound of a gun being ready to fire. In the backyard of the adjacent home, Hoosock sought refuge behind a maple tree.
Using a Springfield AR-15, a military-style assault weapon, the suspected killer, Christopher Murphy, killed Hoosock there, according to Shelley, when he fired at him from the back deck of his home. Murphy killed Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen by firing at him as he ran to the front of the house. Murphy passed away as a result of gunfire from responding police officers.
According to Hoosock’s friends, they were still in shock over the loss on Monday. As “Hootch,” they called him. And they had nothing but praise for him.
Hoosock has volunteered for the Moyers Corners Fire Department for the past 17 years, and Michael Brown, the department chief, said of the man, “He was amazing.”. “He essentially made public service his life’s work. “.
According to friends, Hoosock was also a devoted husband and father, a joker who would always have the greatest story to tell at the bar, and a Def Leppard fan.
Moyers Corners battalion chief Nicholas Eldred said of him, “He was just always great to be around.”. Something would never bother him; he was one of those special people. He was content no matter what. “.
When Hoosock was a teenager, he started his public service by volunteering with the Lyncourt Fire Department. A captain in the Moyers Corners Fire Department, he later joined.
Hoosock started working at the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office in 2007 and eventually attained the position of lieutenant. His most recent job was as the commander of the bomb squad. His previous positions included bomb technician, police instructor, field training officer, tactical flight officer for the Air 1 helicopter, detective in the Criminal Investigations Division, and more.
In addition, he was employed part-time by the Manlius Fire Department as a certified paramedic. He had previously been employed by WAVES Ambulance and Rural Metro as a paramedic.
A friend who had trained as a firefighter with Hoosock over 20 years prior, Mike Nesci, described Hoosock as a kind individual who prioritized the needs of others.
“It was arguably one of the greatest individuals you have ever encountered,” Nesci remarked, presently employed in labor relations and holding a town council position in Manlius.
At the sheriff’s office, Hoosock was recognized with multiple awards during his tenure, Sheriff Shelley announced today.
According to Shelley, Hoosock was given a medal of valor in 2020 for his actions during a confrontation with an armed man at the Regional Transportation Center in Syracuse.
Hoosock shot at a man inside the transit center who had started firing. After being fired upon, the suspect, Andrew Booker, promptly turned himself in but was not hurt.
Authorities said that Booker was upset that his trip from Massachusetts to Ohio had been delayed by mechanical issues, which is why he started shooting and wounded a security guard and another man.
Hoosock received the New York State Sheriff’s Association’s Deputy of the Year award in January 2012, along with two other deputies. In May 2011, a mentally ill man pulled out what appeared to be a .357 Magnum handgun. Hoosock and Deputy Adam Quku were recognized for their prompt and effective response to the situation. This incident occurred at the Regional Transportation Center once more, but this time it was in the parking lot. A pellet gun was later discovered to be the man’s weapon.
Hoosock, Quku, and a police officer from Syracuse pulled out their guns and shot the man, Benjamin J., 55, to death. Police said, “Campione.”.
Kevin Walsh, the sheriff at the time, praised the honor, saying it was well-deserved. “Their dedication to our community is exemplified by their extraordinary judgment in handling such an erratic and potentially fatal situation. ”.
2008 saw the sheriff’s office award Hoosock a certificate of merit as well. Not immediately known were the specifics of that award.
Ryan McMahon, the county executive, said, “This is just an incredible human being.”.
According to Shelley, he leaves behind a wife and three children, ages three, five, and seven. The sheriff said that following today’s press conference, he was headed to meet with the Hoosock family.
He continued, “Words are hard to find.”.
Hoosock shared his opinions about being a firefighter in a 2015 Facebook post:.
“Whether you volunteer at the slowest department in the United States or work on the busiest engine in the Fire Department of New York.”. s. never forget why we act in the ways that we do. More training, teamwork, and intelligence than we possessed yesterday are all necessary. We must support one another today and strive to improve tomorrow even if we fail—and Lord knows we will. “.
Are you familiar with Lt. Michael Hoosock: Staff writer Tim Knauss can be reached by email | Twitter | 315-470-3023 if you have any memories or information to share about him.
