Obituary of Michael P. Hoeft

Lt. Michael Peter Hoeft, 53, of Mineola, N.Y., sadly passed away on January 10, 2020 surrounded by his family. He previously resided in Bloomingdale, NJ. He was a graduate of Lakeland Regional High School in Wanaque, NJ. His list of many accomplishments started out as a HAM Radio Operator as a teenager. He became an EMT volunteering for the Wanaque Ambulance Squad and then graduated from the Passaic County Police Academy as a Police Officer with the Passaic County Sherriff’s Department where he served for 26 years. During his career he was assigned to the Court Division, Judicial Security, Detective Bureau, as well as the Patrol Division. He was supervisor and helped form the Marine Patrol Division as well as the County Emergency Services Unit. Michael served as Assistant Commander of the County Special Operations Division and Commanded the County 9-1-1 Center and County Cert Team. He was also the Assistant Commander of the Passaic County Hazardous Materials team. One of the proudest positions of the department was as a Supervisor with the Sheriff’s Task Force response team to the World Trade Center disaster which was coordinated from September 11, 2001 till November 22nd 2001. Michael was Coordinating Supervisor for the County Task Force Response to Hurricane Katrina as well. Michael was assistant commander for the 2002 County Anthrax responses and investigations, as well as numerous other disaster responses and large scale deployments in the County and mutual aid to others. His commitment to the HAM Radio community and Police Force was instrumental in assisting the coordination of communication at numerous NYC Marathons, Harbor Fest and Fleet Week events. Upon moving to Mineola NY, Michael secured a position at the American Red Cross of Greater New York serving as the Logistics Manager on Long Island for 3 years, as well as going on numerous National deployments with the Red Cross. Michael helped create Eventhams with his fiancée Deborah, was Assistant Communications Director for the NYC Half Marathon, NYC Triathlon as well as the NYC Marathon. Michael also served as Secretary of the ARC ECS radio club for 2 years, and was a valued member of the Nassau County ARES group. He gave of his life selflessly to both family and community at large, and the way he led his life made an impact with everyone he met and left an indelible mark. During Michael’s career he attended many training courses which included: Department of Homeland Security‘s Center for domestic preparedness graduating in numerous emergency and counter terrorism training course receiving national certification in numerous disciplines. Attorney General’s training academy for environmental crimes investigators U.S. Marshall’s training Academy for dignitary protection U.S. Marshall’s School for Court Security Was a former Captain of the Wanaque Boro 1st Aid Squad County Races coordinator County E-9-1-1 coordinator Public Safety Academy Instructor EMD and 9-1-1Program Academy Coordinator CPR Instructor Michael is survived by his loving father Heinz of 92 years, and his beloved fiancée Deborah Kerr with whom he spent the last 5 years. Surviving also are his son Brian, daughter Jessica, and step-daughter Kristine who will miss their father greatly. Also his sisters Rita Dalton of Butler, NJ and Sigrid Harlos of Bloomingdale, NJ, Brother-in-law Ronald Harlos, and niece Corinne Harlos who will remember him deeply. He was predeceased by his mother Edith. In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office 2020 Police Unity Tour for the Fallen Officers Memorial https://secure.policeunitytour.com/registrant/mobile/mobileTeamPage