Michael Hance was a police officer for the New York Police Department. His participation in the Manhattan Pride parade was widely reported by the media. ^[4]

Hance was described as a troubled high-schooler who turned his attitude around and graduated from Binghamton University in 1995 with a degree in mental health services. ^{[5] [1]}

Hance joined the New York Police Department in March 2000 and was one of the first responders during the September 11 attacks. In 2005, he was honored by the PBA for saving an infant from choking on a lego. He is remembered by his peers as a good person who loved being a cop. ^[1]

In 2015, a video of Hance went viral of him dancing with a reveler at a Manhattan pride parade; they were dancing to Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." ^[0]

Hance, who is not gay, was a people person and his friends and family were not surprised by his actions.

The moment was captured on a cell phone and spread across media outlets nationwide.

^[1]

Hance was divorced and had two daughters.

^[1]He was engaged to marry his fiance Melanie.

^[2]Hance resided in Bethpage, New York. ^[5]

On March 12, 2017, Hance lost his battle to Brain cancer and passed away. He was diagnosed with cancer in November after he started complaining about getting dizzy. During his fight, the cancer spread to his lungs, chest, and liver. His cancer was linked to his participation in responding to the 9/11 attacks. ^[2]

His wake will be held at the Arthur White Funeral Home in Bethpage on Thursday and Friday while his funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, also in Bethpage. ^[1]A GoFundMe was created to help support his family. ^[10]