Displaying items by tag: Michael Zurlo

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, Clerk Craig Hayner, Surrogate Court Judge Richard Kupferman and Coroner Susan Hayes-Masa, announced their respective reelection campaigns on March 5 at the Saratoga Springs Casino and Hotel. All four incumbent candidates are Republican Party members. 

First elected in 2012, Richard Kupferman, 59, is seeking his second term as Saratoga County Surrogate Court Judge. Kupferman has resided in Saratoga County for more than 50 years and has more than 20 years of legal service to Saratoga County and several of its municipalities. 

Craig Hayner, 53, has been County Clerk since 2014. Under his leadership the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office and the Saratoga County DMV have seen a 12.4% overall increase in revenue. Together, the offices have contributed approximately 7.5 million dollars to the County, positively impacting the county budget.

Michael Zurlo, 67, a Saratoga County native was first elected as Sheriff in 2013. Prior to that, he served 31 years as a member of the sheriff’s office holding the positions of senior investigator, patrol deputy, criminal investigator, sergeant, and lieutenant.   Zurlo has also served on the bench as the Town Justice in the Town of Stillwater before stepping down in 2013.

Running for a third term, Susan Hayes-Masa, 66, of Saratoga Springs, was first elected as Saratoga County Coroner in 2013.  Working for the Coroner’s Office since 1995, Susan is accredited by the New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners, and a certified surgical technician who has completed the Medical Examiner/Coroner 101 course.  Susan retired as Director of Donor Services with the Lions Eye Bank after 22 years of service.

The four countywide positions up for vote are Surrogate Court Judge (1), Sheriff (1), County Clerk (1), and Coroner (1). Election Day 2021 is Nov. 2.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Saratoga County Sheriff  Michael Zurlo, County Board of Supervisors Chairman Ed Kinowski and several school Superintendents today announced an agreement to establish a School Resource Offi  cer (SRO) Program in Saratoga County schools. Sheriff  Zurlo will dedicate several deputies to this program. During the academic year, the deputies will be stationed in the schools aft er graduating from a School Resource Officer Training Program which will take place this summer. Following incidents of school violence across the country, the Sheriff ’s Office was contacted by school leaders and parents asking for an SRO program in their schools. The six participating school districts responded to a letter sent by the Sheriff ’s Office earlier this year soliciting interest to participate in this program for the upcoming school year. Saratoga County will share costs for the deputies with each participating school district.

The School District will be responsible for 75 percent of the costs for the SRO which includes salaries, benefits, and equipment. The County will cover the other 25 percent of costs for these deputy positions.

“It is proven that School Resource Officers are a valuable asset in schools,” said Sheriff Michael Zurlo.

“Not only will deputies help promote a safer environment within the schools, but they will also act as liaisons between law enforcement and students, faculty and staff to help promote positive relationships between them,” he continued.

The SRO will not replace the school’s discipline system but will work with school staff in a collaborative way to enhance school safety and reduce incidents of violence or disorder. The SRO will also be able to provide information and presentations on topics like substance abuse and social conflict resolution.

“The safety of our children is paramount, and this program enhances that and provides a great additional asset for our schools,” said Chairman Ed Kinowski.

“The Board of Supervisors is looking forward to formalizing this partnership between the County, the Sheriff’s Office and our schools,” Kinowski stated.

The SRO proposal will be carried through the appropriate committees of the Board, before being brought to a vote of the full Board of Supervisors at their June meeting and is expected to have broad support. Participating School Districts Include: Ballston Spa Central School District; Burnt Hills - Ballston Lake Central Schools; Mechanicville City School District; Schuylerville Central School District; Shenendehowa Central School District; Stillwater Central School District; South Glens Falls Central School District.

So far, community response is positive. Several Facebook users have commented on the public page of Sheriff Zurlo commending him for his efforts on the matter.