Michael S. Bridenbaker

September 5, 2019

TULLY, NY – Michael S. Bridenbaker, Sr, 62, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday evening, while traveling in Seattle, Washington.

He was born December 20, 1956 in Syracuse, NY, son of Charles and Mary Ann Kranock Bridenbaker. He was educated at Cicero/North Syracuse Schools and Onondaga Community College.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from January 1974-August,1976, achieving the rank of Fireman, and saw service in the Mediterranean during the Cyprus Conflict aboard the USS Guam (LPH-9), receiving an honorable discharge.

He was a member of the North Syracuse Fire Department from 1978-1981 and NAVAC Ambulance from 1981-2003, serving as Deputy Director for three years.

Mike became a nationally registered paramedic, working for Eastern Ambulance for ten years from 1976-1986.  When Onondaga County Sheriffs’ Department initiated the Air-One Emergency Helicopter program, Mike was recruited as one of the elite seven first flight paramedics, providing over 7,500 hours of direct service to Onondaga County.

Mike worked as a police officer for the City of Syracuse from 1986-2006, earning the Medal of Valor in 1992.  In addition, he received bureau, department and division commendations.  He worked with the Emergency Services Unit, the SWAT Team, and the Airport Division.

Following his retirement from the police department, Mike served as Airport Security Coordinator at Syracuse Hancock International Airport for three years.

Mike was currently serving as a Fire Commissioner for the Tully Fire District, and was Chairman of the Board for two years.  He secured significant grant funding to benefit the community.

He is survived by his lifetime companion of 35 years, Marley Barduhn of Tully, two daughters, Hope Messer of Solvay, and Brittany Woolshlager (Matthew) of Fairmount, one son, Michael Bridenbaker, Jr. (Jessica) of North Syracuse, his mother, Mary Ann Bridenbaker, brothers Edward and Patrick ( Robin ), and six grandchildren, including Crystal, Brandon, Evan, Michael, Elizabeth, and Molly of the Syracuse area, as well as other extended family.  Mike was predeceased by his father, Charles Bridenbaker and an infant son, Steven.

Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, rock music, and spending time with his family and friends, at home in Tully and in Alexandria Bay and Florida.  He especially enjoyed his volunteer EMS activities at Woodstock ‘94 and ‘99.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 12 ^th , from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, at the Kruger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd, Mattydale.  A calling hour will also be held Friday, September 13 ^th , from 1- 2pm at the Costello Funeral Home, 113 Church St, Alexandria Bay, NY. The funeral service will begin at 2pm, with the Rev. Richard G. Reed officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Highland Park Cemetery, Alexandria Bay.

Memorial donations may be made to Tully Fire District, 1 Railroad St, Tully, NY 13159, Attn: Cheryl Wayne, Secretary/Treasurer in lieu of flowers.