Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo has announced his retirement after nearly 50 years in law enforcement, marking the end of an era for the county. Zurlo revealed on January 2, 2024, that this year would be his final one in the role, reflecting on nearly five decades of service that he described as both rewarding and bittersweet.
In an interview with the Saratogian in early December, Zurlo expressed his desire to cherish every moment of his remaining time in office. “I love this job. Of my 48 years in law enforcement, the last 12 have probably been the best, but you know when it’s time,” he stated. “It’s just time to enjoy life a little bit, enjoy my family and my granddaughter. I knew the time was right.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Law Enforcement
Born and raised in Mechanicville, Zurlo’s passion for law enforcement began in his youth. He recalled how fellow classmates wished him luck in pursuing a career as a police officer during his senior year. His journey commenced in 1974 when he joined the Mechanicville Police Department as a part-time officer, earning a modest $2.90 per hour.
With aspirations to become more involved, Zurlo transitioned to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department on October 19, 1979. “When I first started, there were only about 25 deputies on the road. There were only three or four cars, and now we’ve grown to 325 employees,” he reminisced about the department’s growth.
Zurlo’s career trajectory saw him rise through the ranks from deputy to sheriff, a role he officially stepped into after winning the election in 2013. “You have to set goals in life, and anybody out there thinking it can’t happen, it can happen,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of ambition and perseverance.
Community Engagement and Technological Advancements
Throughout his tenure, Zurlo prioritized community involvement, frequently attending events and ensuring public interaction. “I went out and tried to interact, and went to so many events, programs. You have to interact with the public,” he emphasized.
Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office embraced technological advancements, moving from traditional methods of record-keeping to a fully computerized system. Zurlo also emphasized the expansion of the department’s social media presence to enhance community communication.
One initiative close to his heart was the implementation of Student Resource Officers in local schools, motivated by the tragic Parkland school shooting in 2018. Zurlo coordinated with county administrators and school superintendents to establish a protective presence in schools. “We need to protect our kids,” he stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken to ensure safety within educational institutions.
Zurlo also launched programs like Project Lifesaver, designed to locate individuals at risk of wandering, and the Blue Envelope Program, which enhances communication between law enforcement and drivers on the autism spectrum. “It’s about the community, if there are programs that can help the community — that was my goal when I took over,” he explained.
Another notable initiative was the annual Toys for Tots convoy, which Zurlo initiated. In his final year, the event collected over $1.5 million in toys, underscoring the community’s generosity and the event’s growth over the years.
Reflecting on his tenure, Zurlo acknowledged the challenges posed by the rise in narcotics-related cases and the ongoing battle against substance abuse in the county. “We’re kind of a pipeline… so I’m going to concentrate on that,” he noted, affirming his commitment to addressing this pressing issue until his departure on December 31, 2024.
As his time as sheriff draws to a close, Zurlo expressed confidence in his successor, Jeff Brown, who was elected in November. “He knows the ins and outs… he is totally ready to take over the leadership here,” Zurlo stated, assuring the community that Brown will continue the positive initiatives established during his administration.
Looking ahead to retirement, Zurlo plans to spend more time with family and travel. “I’m looking forward to things like that and just doing some traveling,” he shared, indicating that the most challenging aspect of leaving is saying goodbye to his dedicated staff and the residents he served.
In his closing sentiments, he expressed gratitude to the community, saying, “Thank you for the support… I just thank them for trusting me. Thank them for giving me the opportunity to do what I’m doing here.” As he prepares for the next chapter of his life, Zurich’s legacy of dedication and community engagement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Saratoga County.
