NORTH SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – Spreading a flicker of light in a time of darkness by remembering someone so dedicated, so good.

“You know, I think the fact that Mike was you know a trained EMT, that he was working as a volunteer firefighter. He was a lieutenant in the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department, his involvement in the bomb squad. I mean, he was a really devoted and connected man,” said Father Christopher Celentano, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in North Syracuse, where the vigil was held on Wednesday, April 17.

A man so devoted to everything he did.

“I think I even heard one of the firemen from Moyer’s corners say, you could call him at any time or any hour, and he would be there for you. And truly, just anybody who knew Mike, that’s who he was,” Father Celentano explained.

And now the church and school community are responding to surround and support a hurting family.

“I’m here today with my staff to hand out candles in support of the Hoosock family. The children attend our school, and our school is a family, and we offer our prayers and support to the family and we’re grateful for the service that Lieutenant Hoosock and everything he did for us,” Principal of Saint Rose of Lima Mary Chrysler said.

“So, we had some people come forward privately who would like to be able to provide tuition for them so that they can remain in Catholic schools. Catholic schools were a big part in Mike’s life,” Father Celentano added.

And the memories of his bright life will never dim.