Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo has announced that his tenure in law enforcement will conclude on December 31, 2023. As he prepares to step down, Zurlo reflects on nearly 50 years of service, expressing deep gratitude for the role he has cherished throughout his career. He characterized the past year as both fleeting and bittersweet, wishing to savor “every last minute” of a job he has loved immensely.
“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,” Zurlo stated. He emphasized a desire to spend more time with his family, including his granddaughter, acknowledging that “it’s just time to enjoy life a little bit.”
A Journey from Mechanicville to Sheriff
Born and raised in Mechanicville, New York, Zurlo knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. His determination was evident even in high school, where classmates encouraged him in their yearbook messages to “be a copper.” In 1974, he began his journey at the Mechanicville Police Department, earning $2.90 an hour as a part-time officer before becoming full-time in 1977.
Zurlo soon recognized that working in a small city limited his ability to perform his duties effectively, prompting him to transition to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department in 1979. After interviewing with then-Sheriff James Bowen, he began a career that would span six decades. “When I first started, there were only about 25 deputies on the road. Now we’ve grown to 325 employees, including investigators and sergeants,” Zurlo noted.
Community Engagement and Technological Advancements
Throughout his career, Zurlo focused on community engagement, making it his mission to be present at events across the county. He described this as a “seven-day-a-week process,” believing that interaction with the public is crucial in law enforcement. “It’s just not sitting behind a desk; you need to get out and let the public know who you are,” he said.
Under his leadership, the department has seen significant technological advancements. When Zurlo began, operations relied on “pens, papers, and typewriters,” but now the department has embraced modern technology, enhancing its social media presence to communicate effectively with the community. He prioritized equipping deputies with the best resources to ensure their safety while responding to emergencies.
One of the notable initiatives during his tenure was the establishment of Student Resource Officers in schools, inspired by the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Zurlo took proactive steps to ensure the safety of students and staff, stating, “We need to protect our kids,” and successfully implemented programs that have positively impacted the school environment.
Zurlo also highlighted several community-focused programs, including Project Lifesaver, designed to assist in locating individuals at risk of wandering, and the Blue Envelope Program, which enhances safety for drivers on the autism spectrum. He emphasized that his goal has always been to make a positive impact on the community.
The annual Toys for Tots convoy, a project initiated during his tenure, has grown significantly over the years. Zurlo shared that in his final year, the convoy collected over $1.5 million in toys, a testament to the dedication of his team and the support of the community.
Challenges and Future Perspectives
Reflecting on his time in office, Zurlo noted challenges such as the rise in narcotics and overdose cases, which prompted him to allocate more resources to address these issues. “We’re kind of a pipeline for drugs coming into the county,” he explained, emphasizing his commitment to tackling this ongoing battle until his last day in office.
Looking ahead, Zurlo expressed confidence in his successor, Jeff Brown, who was elected sheriff in November. Zurlo praised Brown’s preparedness for the role and his familiarity with the department’s operations, stating, “He’s totally ready to take over the leadership here.” He is optimistic that Brown will continue many of the successful programs already in place while introducing his own initiatives.
As he approaches retirement, Zurlo plans to spend more time traveling and enjoying moments with his family. “I’m looking forward to things like that and just doing some traveling,” he said, reflecting on the joy of family gatherings.
The hardest part of leaving, according to Zurlo, is saying goodbye to the staff and the residents he has served. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support he received during his three terms as sheriff. “I just thank them for trusting me,” he concluded, assuring the community that they are in capable hands as leadership transitions to Sheriff Brown.
