NYSPOA Nominations & Awards
The New York State Probation Officers Association annually recognizes colleagues who stand out as Probation professionals. We are requesting that you take the time to nominate a fellow Officer or group/unit of Officers.
*Please note, these awards are from the New York State Probation Officers Association and not from State Director Robert M. Maccarone of the Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (OPCA). The State Director will solicit for awards and honor those chosen at the NYSPOA awards luncheon.
Nominating Procedures
Nominations must be submitted by Friday May 19, 2023 (this date may be subject to change) to permit appropriate follow-up and evaluation by the Awards Committee. Please fill out the NOMINATION FORM below.
The 2023 Honorees will be invited to attend the Awards Ceremony on Thursday July 27, 2023, at Embassy Suites Destiny in Syracuse, New York (time to be determined).
The following is a description of each of the award categories and the nominating procedure. All candidates are reviewed for each eligible award title. THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR SOMEONE WHO INSPIRES YOU.
Please note: The awards (except The Presidential Award Category “B”) are for Line Officers who are not NYSPOA Board members.
The Award of Honor
The Award of Honor is given to a Probation Officer who performs a specific act which demonstrates extraordinary behavior in the face of circumstances that could have led to personal injury and/or death.
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award (A)
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award (A) is given to a Probation Officer annually who has displayed to any outstanding degree the kind of efficient or distinguished service which represents the highest standards and ideals of devoted public service. To qualify, a nominee should have displayed especially good judgment, initiative and competence in his or her discipline. Normally, candidates should have at least ten years of service, although exceptions may be made.
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award (B)
In the Presidential Distinguished Service Award (B) the NYSPOA President may additionally designate an honoree for dedicated service to the profession. Candidates include NYSPOA members past or present, and may be given posthumously.
Jeannie Farrell Award of Achievement
Jeannie Farrell was a Probation Officer from Schoharie County who served on the NYSPOA Executive Board as a Regional VP in the early 1990’s. She was a strong advocate for the professional law enforcement component of Probation and consistently promoted the aspect of protection of the public. She is described by those who knew her as bright, personable, and effective, and proved to be a great asset to the NYSPOA. The loss of Jeanne to cancer was a tremendous personal loss to all who knew her.
The Jeannie Farrell Award of Achievement is given to a Probation Officer who, in the normal course of their position, goes beyond the required limits and achieves results which deserve recognition. Candidates who show ingenuity into problems, exceptional diligence and thoroughness in producing completed work, and above-standard degrees of proficiency, craftsmanship or professional competence are sought for this award.
The James Piersanti Leadership Award
The James Piersanti Leadership Award is a newly established award during 2019 named after retired Probation Supervisor James “Jim” Piersanti. Jim Piersanti graduated from college in January 1970. He received his draft notice from President Richard Nixon 4 days after graduation and served in the U.S. Army from February 1970 through December 1971. He was hired by Suffolk County Probation on October 1, 1973 and worked in the Criminal Court Supervision Unit supervising an adult narcotics caseload, which was followed by an assignment to Criminal Court PSI’s. He spent 8 years in the Warrant Unit, and was appointed as a Supervising Probation Officer in 1992 in the Criminal Court Supervision Unit. From March 1994 through January 1998, he supervised the Suffolk County Probation Department’s Day Reporting Center which included personnel from the Health Department, BOCES, Substance Abuse Services and Mental Health Services. This was reputed to be the first such program in New York State and the fourth in the country. During his tenure with probation, he initially got involved with the NYSPOA in 1979 as a member of the Standards and Practices Committee. He served as a Regional VP from 1982 through 1985 and then served two terms as President from 1986 through 1989. Although he retired from Probation in December 1999, he remains an active member of the NYSPOA to this date serving on the Board of Consultants, providing valuable wisdom, insight and knowledge.
The James Piersanti Leadership Award is given to a Probation Officer who has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills that have either developed and/or promoted the field of Probation.