On November 30, 2025, the Onondaga County Emergency Management Center was officially dedicated to fallen first responder Lieutenant Michael Hoosock. First responders who had served alongside Hoosock gathered for the ceremony to honor their friend, affectionately known as “Hootch.” The event featured heartfelt remarks from Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon II, Commissioner of Emergency Management Daniel Wears, Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley, and Moyers Corners Fire Department Chief Mike Brown.

The Legacy of Michael Hoosock:

Michael Hoosock was the ultimate first responder in Onondaga County. From earning his degree in Emergency Management to dedicating more than two decades of service, he committed his life to learning, serving, and protecting. Throughout his career, he worked across three vital fields of first response: law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services.

Law Enforcement Career:

Hoosock joined the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office in 2007 and quickly rose through the ranks. He served as Commander of the Bomb Squad, a medic with SWAT, and worked on AIR 1. In January 2012, he was named Deputy of the Year by the New York State Sheriff’s Association — a recognition of his excellence and dedication. In 2020, he received the Medal of Valor for his heroic actions during a confrontation with an armed man at the Regional Transportation Center in Syracuse. These honors reflect not only his skill, but also his bravery and unwavering commitment to protecting lives.

Firefighting & EMS Career:

Beyond law enforcement, “Hootch” devoted his time and talents to emergency medical services and firefighting. On the EMS side, he worked with WAVES and NOVA ambulance. His firefighting career began with the Lyncourt Fire Department, and he later served part-time as a firefighter/paramedic with the Manlius Fire Department. Additionally, he volunteered with the Moyers Corners Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief before stepping back to spend more time with his children.

The Lasting Impact of Michael Hoosock:

The Onondaga County Emergency Management Building will forever bear his name — a lasting tribute to Lieutenant Hoosock’s service and sacrifice. His legacy lives on in his family, his colleagues, and the countless lives he touched throughout the community. As we dedicate this building, we also dedicate our department to carrying forward Hootch’s spirit of service: to protect, to serve, and to care for one another with the same selflessness he embodied. May this building stand as a beacon of his courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to Onondaga County.