SYRACUSE, NY — The Central New York community is continuing to show an outpouring of support in their own unique ways, following the fatal shooting of two officers in the line of duty.
Nearly everywhere you look in the city, there’s a blue light shining for Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Lt. Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hoosock — a sign of solidarity with the men and women who put their lives on the line each day for their community .
In the neighborhoods across Syracuse, where both officers worked and lived, signs of blue could be seen everywhere.
One of the largest acts of support is the JMA Wireless lighting up the Syracuse skyline in blue for everyone to see.
“We went to blue immediately in support of all the police officers in the community,” said Pete Sala, the chief facilities officer at JMA Wireless Dome.
“It’s tough to speak to,” Sala said. “ I have two nephews, one’s a city fireman, one’s a city police officer. Johnny, like the police officer, that kid is working all the time. So we were trying to get a hold of him that night and we couldn’t. It was crazy. My heart goes out to those families. It’s horrific.”
Support for the officers can be felt across Central New York.
“Our hearts at Central Square go out to the Jensen family and to the Hoosock family for the tragedy that took place,” said Tom Colabufo, the superintendent of the Central Square Central School District. “Everyone at Central Square is keeping them and their families in our prayers.”
More than a dozen Central New York school districts are asking students and staff to wear blue on Thursday. Including North Syracuse, Baldwinsville and Westhill, among many others.
Others are showing their support in their own way. The local business, Sammi’s Beauty Box, is offering discounted haircuts and created a memorial in the front yard while the Syracuse Crunch are holding an auction to support the officers’ families.
Neighbors nearby and far continue to show that these two officers who served with honor will not be forgotten.
