A quick transition for mourning officers who now have to prepare for Biden’s arrival in Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Airspace will be restricted on Thursday from noon until 4 p.m., giving us our first indication of when President Joe Biden will be in town.

The major security undertaking just adds to the difficult week for police, coming off two funerals in three days.

Its been a heavy few weeks for officers, and with President Biden visiting the Syracuse-area on April 25, they’re going to have an even heavier workload over the coming days.

“Transitioning to a big detail such as Thursday, again they are all professionals, they all know what’s expected of them. They turn from mourning to ‘Ok let’s do our job now.’ Let’s protect the public, let’s protect our visitors, let’s protect these dignitaries as we’re supposed to do,” said Francis Coots, retired New York State Police Commander for Troop D.

But Coots says the transition won’t be easy, as they mourn the loss of Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Lieutenant Michael Hoosock from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office.

But its something they have to do.

“They are professionals and they know what is expected of them and they are going to deliver for the President of the United States because that’s important to the community as well. Are they suffering? Yes, they are, and will they suffer for some time, yes they will. But they also understand that there’s a job that needs to be done,” said Coots.

Just like any other presidential visit, Coots says a number of departments will be involved.

“Being the fact that he’s landing at Syracuse Airport, Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and the state police will all be involved in the preparation, working exceptionally close with the secret service,” said Coots.

However, the secret service will be the leading agency during Biden’s visit.

“With them being in charge of this entire protective detail, they coordinate the resources of all the agencies so there’s not an overlap,” said Coots.

Focusing on their job while ensuring the president is safe.