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On Sunday April 14th, a shooting in a Liverpool district neighborhood resulted in the death of Onondaga Sheriff’s Lt. Michael Hoosock and Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen. This is the first time in over 20 years that an officer has been killed on duty in Onondaga County, and the entire community mourns the loss.
The officer down call was made at 8:51 pm, and only 10 minutes later the county 911 system alerted those in the neighborhood to shelter in place. Students in the surrounding neighborhood reported hearing over 20 gunshots, leaving everyone shaken.
Support is being offered throughout the Liverpool School District to help students handle the impacts of the event. “In times of crisis, it is crucial that we stand together to offer strength and compassion to each other,” says Superintendent Daniel Henner. “Our administration is proactively working with our counseling teams to assess and address the needs of our students and staff during this difficult time.”
Each time an event such as this occurs in the school or community, Liverpool’s crisis team, consisting of LHS counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, and principals come together to decide the best course of action and best way to offer support for students.
“We’re just here to talk to any student who may need to,” states school counselor Amanda Iannicello. “We understand that some students don’t want to talk about it and some students do. We have a kind of open door policy, and any student that wants to come down is welcome to do so at any time.”
Iannicelllo emphasizes that they will always put students first and reschedule other plans if necessary.
For students looking to speak with a counselor, there are multiple ways to schedule a meeting: email, in-person or through the secretary in their offices.
“Let us be a pillar of stability for our students, showing them that even in the darkest times, we can find light in the support we give and receive,” advises Henner.
There is no reversing the events that unfolded on Sunday night, but Liverpool looks to move forward while never forgetting the heroic lives that were lost protecting our community.
On Thursday, April 18, Liverpool and surrounding schools participated in a “Light it up Blue” day, in which hundreds of students and staff alike wore blue to honor Sheriff Hoosock and Officer Jensen.
As time passes, the memory of these events will likely fade for most, yet the profound impact they have had on the community in Central New York remains undeniable.
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