Saratoga County, New York, held a poignant official walkout ceremony for Sheriff Michael Zurlo on October 25, marking the conclusion of his remarkable 48-year career in law enforcement, including 12 years as sheriff. Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, Zurlo reflected on his enduring commitment to the community he served.
Zurlo expressed deep appreciation for the people he encountered throughout his career. He stated, “I love the passion. I love the people I work with. I love the residents of Saratoga County.” His journey in law enforcement began in Mechanicville, where he was born and raised, before advancing to the Sheriff’s office and ultimately taking on the role of county sheriff.
The ceremony took place at the Paul E. Lent Public Safety Facility in Ballston Spa. Despite inclement weather, a diverse crowd of law enforcement officers from various agencies, elected officials, and community members gathered to honor Zurlo’s service.
“It’s just nice that we connected with a lot of people in this job,” Zurlo noted, recognizing the significance of the large turnout. He emphasized the importance of providing resources and support to the men and women of his department, stating, “I made a lot of great friends, whether it’s in this county or the surrounding counties.”
During the ceremony, Zurlo’s son, Andrew Zurlo, traveled from North Carolina to deliver a heartfelt tribute. He highlighted his father’s dedication, stating, “Watching you over the years showed me what true integrity looks like, what putting others first really means.” Andrew recalled cherished memories, illustrating the profound impact Zurlo’s presence had on his family.
Zurlo acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family throughout his career, particularly during holiday seasons. He expressed gratitude for their unwavering support, saying, “I could not do the job of sheriff without their support.”
As part of the ceremony, Zurlo received multiple department honors, including the Honorable Discharge Award and a distinguished service award. Undersheriff Jeff Brown, who is set to succeed Zurlo, praised him as “the epitome of what a county sheriff should be.”
In his final address to the crowd as sheriff, Zurlo shared his emotions, stating, “Today marks the end of an incredible 12-year journey as the Sheriff of Saratoga County.” He expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments and confidence in Brown’s ability to lead moving forward. “I could not think of a better person to succeed me,” he added.
As he transitions into retirement, Zurlo looks forward to spending more time with his family, especially his seven-month-old granddaughter, Lily. He is eager to travel with his wife and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
Before concluding, Zurlo reassured the residents of Saratoga County of his dedication during his tenure. “I can tell them I did my job 150%. I worked hard, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” he remarked. He emphasized the collaborative efforts with his team and community, stating, “We live in one of the best counties, and the residents are a big part of that.”
A comprehensive reflection on Zurlo’s career will be published in the Saratogian on December 24, providing further insights into his motivations and experiences as sheriff.
