Legislation dedicating a portion of State Route 46 in memory of Officer Michael E. Jensen has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, according to an announcement from New York State Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.
The designated section will extend from Prospect Street in the City of Rome to Dixon Drive in the Town of Western. Officer Jensen, a native of Rome and member of the Syracuse Police Department, was killed at age 29 while responding to a standoff in Salina on April 14, 2024. Lieutenant Michael Hoosock of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office also died during the incident.
Officer Jensen graduated from Rome Free Academy and later attended Le Moyne College, where he earned degrees in accounting and business administration.
“I thank the governor for signing this bill into law,” Sen. Griffo said. “By dedicating a portion of State Route 46 in honor of Officer Jensen, we are paying tribute to an exceptional individual and dedicated public servant who exemplified the highest ideals of law enforcement. This designation, fittingly located in the community that raised and meant so much to him, will ensure that Officer Jensen’s honorable legacy will endure for generations to come.”
“Michael Jensen’s life was a shining example of courage, kindness, and commitment to others,” Assemblywoman Buttenschon said. “He gave so much of himself to protect and serve, and our community is forever better because of him. It is deeply meaningful to know that his name will now live on through this highway, serving as a daily reminder of the sacrifice, love, and strength he brought to everyone around him. I hope this tribute brings his family some comfort, knowing his legacy will never be forgotten.”
According to officials, signage marking the newly dedicated portion will be installed by the New York State Department of Transportation over the next several months.
