Local businesses fundraise for families of fallen officers

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Organizations across the northeast are stepping in to raise money for the loved ones of Lieutenant Michael Hoosock and Officer Michael Jensen.

For Nicole Eiffe, the shooting in Salina hit close to home.

“My husband is a Syracuse police officer, as well as my brother-in-law and several friends. I’m friends with Mike Hoosock and his wife Kate,” she said. “I worked with both of them, so this is just devastating, and I felt like I needed to do something.”

The owner of Bug, Bear and Bean candles in Eastwood, she’s giving every dollar from the sales of her “Bravery Police” candle to both families.

“The jars themselves are nine ounces of soy wax,” Eiffe said. “There are two different scents I carry with the bravery collection, American Pie and Old Glory.”

The candles sold out in five hours, but it’s less about the product and more about spreading a message.

“That’s what these officers need right now is their community,” Eiffe said. “To see the city turn blue is so moving.”

Just down the street, Brooklyn Pickle on Burnet Avenue is sharing their support.

“We’re taking donations from everyone in the community,” said store manager Mariah Labrake. “We’re piling up on gift cards at all our locations, using them for any first responders coming in.”

Between all four CNY locations, the restaurant has raised thousands of dollars.
The money will provide free meals to police officers and firefighters.

“The thankfulness they feel. Just being thought of and showing our appreciation to them,” Labrake said. “A lot of them say thank you so much, I’m here all the time. It’s great to see people care and making their day. The little things we can do.”

Small gestures, meaning a lot to law enforcement.