CAZENOVIA — On Jan. 27, after over 20 years of service to the Village of Cazenovia Police Department, Sgt. Karen Zaleski delivered her final radio sign-off and headed into retirement.
The department recognized Zaleski’s dedicated service and final moments on the clock with a ceremony attended by her family, friends, and fellow department members.
“This is a joyous occasion, but at the same time it’s a little sad because I’m losing my sergeant,” said Chief of Police Michael A. Hayes.
Zaleski joined the Cazenovia Police Department in March 2002 as a part-time police officer. She was brought on full-time in March 2003 and rose to the rank of sergeant in September 2007.
She began her career in law enforcement in June 2001 when she was hired as a corrections officer for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. She then transferred to the road patrol as a sheriff’s deputy after graduating from the Little Falls Police Academy in 2002.
“I have found law enforcement to be a most rewarding career, giving me the opportunity to serve the residents of Cazenovia,” said Zaleski. “As a police officer, I have met citizens in their worst moments, providing guidance and assistance to them for which some have expressed gratitude later. I like to think that I’ve made a difference in their lives and in the community.”
Zaleski added that throughout her career she has had the privilege of working with many law enforcement recruits and candidates, training and certifying them to become positive influences in their communities.
“I have enjoyed the camaraderie and support of the officers of the Cazenovia Police Department and other law enforcement agencies [whom] I’ve worked with over the years,” she said. “I wish them all long and safe careers as I leave the sergeant position here in Cazenovia.”
Leading up to Zaleski’s retirement, Hayes remarked that he has a unique perspective on the sergeant’s career as he was working for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office when she started down the law enforcement path.
“[I] have had the privilege to watch her grow into an example of what a police officer should strive to be — compassionate and understanding yet hard enough to do what needs to be done and to go above and beyond to do it,” said Hayes. “Karen has been my right hand and my devil’s advocate all at the same time.”
According to Hayes, the sergeant’s responsibilities included supervising the patrol officers’ day-to-day duties, completing the department’s policy and procedure, conducting trainings, and ensuring that the department is following E-Justice guidelines.
“These are just a very small sampling of her duties as Patrol Sergeant,” said Hayes. “Karen will be missed and near impossible to replace.”
The chief noted that he and the Village of Cazenovia Board of Trustees will work together to find a new sergeant for the police department.
“I have had the privilege of working with Sgt. Zaleski throughout my entire time serving the village,” said Mayor Kurt Wheeler. “Our community has been fortunate to have someone of her caliber who has devoted her whole career to serving Cazenovia, growing from a brand-new officer to a veteran leader. She will be dearly missed, but we wish her the best in all her future ventures.”
To learn more about the Cazenovia Police Department, visit villageofcazenovia.com/police/.
