Thousands Pay Tribute as Slain Syracuse Police Officer Returns Home to Rome

In a somber and emotional display of respect and support, thousands of police officers, firefighters, and community members lined the streets on Tuesday as the body of Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen was transported from downtown Syracuse to his hometown of Rome. Accompanied by a procession of approximately 200 police cars and motorcycles, a hearse made the 47-mile journey to a funeral home in Rome.

As the procession made its way through the city, fire trucks stationed on bridges over highways and firefighters stood in honor, paying their respects as the procession passed by. People from all walks of life gathered along the streets, watching in silence as a symbol of solidarity with the fallen officer and his grieving family.

The tragic incident that took Officer Jensen's life occurred on Sunday during a routine traffic stop in Salina. The suspect, identified as Christopher R. Murphy, attempted to flee and engaged in a shootout with both Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy Lt. Michael Hoosock, resulting in the deaths of all three individuals. The shocking incident sent shockwaves through the community and left a profound impact on law enforcement and community members alike.

The procession, which began at the Wallie J. Howard Center for Forensic Sciences in downtown Syracuse around 11 a.m., was met with crowds of officers who stood in solemn respect, saluting as Officer Jensen's body passed by in the hearse. With police cars and motorcycles flashing red and blue lights, the procession made its way up Interstate 81 North, with the American flag on the Court Street Bridge illuminated by a ray of sunlight, illuminating the path with a glimmer of hope.

In a poignant moment, Syracuse firefighters on Bear Street Bridge stood in silence for 16 minutes, their tears reflecting the deep pain felt by all. Once the procession had passed under the bridge, the firefighters gathered themselves and returned to their fire truck, carrying the weight of this tragedy with them.

The journey continued north, eventually reaching Rome, where more community members lined the roads to pay their respects. Rome police officers, firefighters, Oneida County sheriff's deputies, and officers from neighboring towns joined approximately 50 officers outside the funeral home, standing in unity as they awaited the fallen officer's arrival. Two firetrucks extended their ladders and draped an American flag over Merrick Road in front of the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, a poignant tribute symbolizing the collective grief felt throughout the community.

At approximately 12:54 p.m., the procession of over 200 police vehicles commenced the drive through the intersection of Turin and Merrick. Lasting for over 15 minutes, the procession included police cars from various jurisdictions, including Geddes, Cicero, Oneida, Baldwinsville, Syracuse, Solvay, Dewitt, Fulton, and state police, to name a few.

As the procession passed by, Patricia Nichols, a resident of Rome, couldn't hold back her tears. She emphasized the impact of such a tragedy in a tight-knit community, stating, "When you have a small town like Rome where everybody kind of knows each other, that's what makes this all so sad. We didn't know him, but we just wanted to be out here today to show our support for the Jensen family."

Officer Michael Jensen, a graduate of the Syracuse Regional Police Academy in August 2022, had dedicated 2½ years to the force. His colleagues and superiors remember him as an ambitious and hard-working officer, known for his infectious smile and charming personality.

As the community mourns the loss of Officer Jensen and Deputy Lt. Hoosock, their sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily. The profound display of support and solidarity shown during the procession reflects the gratitude and respect felt by the community for those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve.

The funeral arrangements for Officer Jensen and Deputy Lt. Hoosock are currently being made, allowing their loved ones and fellow officers to come together to honor their lives and contributions to their communities.