A lifetime of work in a small, rural prosecutor’s office earned statewide recognition for a longtime Schuyler County leader.
Retired Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary received the 2025 Outstanding Prosecutor award from the New York State Bar Association earlier this week.
The association honored Fazzary during an event Tuesday at the Midtown Hilton in Manhattan, ahead of the Criminal Justice Section Winter Meeting.
Family and colleagues attended the ceremony, including Fazzary’s wife Susan, daughter Isabella, and current Schuyler County District Attorney Jeremy J. Hourihan.
During his acceptance speech, Fazzary said the award reflected more than his own work. He credited his family and staff for supporting him throughout his career.
He also spoke about the challenges of running a small district attorney’s office. Fazzary said small-office prosecutors often handle tasks large offices delegate, including answering phones, going to court, and managing heavy caseloads.
Several prosecutors nominated Fazzary for the honor, including Jack Ryan, former chief assistant district attorney of Queens County; Timothy Koeller, retired chief assistant district attorney of Richmond County; and Robert Masters, former counsel to the Queens County District Attorney.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Ryan presented the award.
Fazzary called the recognition “the honor of a lifetime” and said it made him proud of the work done in the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office over nearly three decades.
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