The hardest call he’ll ever have to make: SPD officer calls parents of fallen hero

It was the hardest phone call he’ll ever have to make.

“I talked to both of them,” Syracuse Police Officer Grant Prudhomme said, fighting back tears.

Officer Prudhomme called Officer Michael Jensen’s parents to tell them their son was shot.

“We just saw one by one the nurses and doctors and surgeons come walking out crying and we just knew,” Officer Prudhomme said. “Every word they said that night is just etched in my brain forever.”

When Officer Jensen’s father arrived at the hospital, Officer Prudhomme gave him a hug and Jensen’s father repeatedly said, ‘My boy, my boy.’

Officer Jensen wasn’t just Prudhomme’s colleague – he was his friend. They met freshman year at Le Moyne College.

“His personality is just so outgoing. He can talk to anyone in the world about anything,” Officer Prudhomme said.

The two played hockey together at Le Moyne with another teammate, Forrest Gilbert, who can’t help but smile when he talks about Officer Jensen.

“He’s goofy. He’s funny,” Syracuse Police Officer Forrest Gilbert said.

The three went on to join Syracuse Police together, where they said Jensen always did the right thing.

“He was so meticulous at his work. There’s no doubt that he was the best one,” Officer Gilbert added.

“When we go to a call, it’s someone’s worst day. And Jensen gets in there and by the time we leave, people are smiling,” Officer Prudhomme said. “I’m not perfect. Jensen wasn’t perfect, but he was as close to perfect as any of us.”

The three officers and friends still have a group chat. They say they’ve been texting all week – waiting for Officer Jensen to respond.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 20, at Saint John the Baptist Church on East Dominick Street in Rome from 11 a.m. to noon. NewsChannel 9 will be providing live coverage.