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JOHNSTOWN - Fulton County District Attorney Louise Sira has been named the 2009 Arson Prosecutor of the Year, an honor presented by the New York State Fire Investigators Association.

Sira was nominated by state Insurance Frauds Bureau Investigator Phil D'Angelo, who said Sira stood out among a sea of potential nominees across the state.

"I have had the opportunity to work with a number of upstate district attorneys and find no one more dedicated and professional than [Sira]," he said. "I believe she is an exemplary prosecutor."

Gloversville Fire Chief Douglas Edwards also praised Sira.

"She is an inspiration to others," he said. "Her exemplary leadership and purposeful actions ... inspire my fire investigators."

Sira said this morning she was shocked and thrilled when she found out she had received the award, which was presented by the state Fire Investigators Association Chapter 23 on Nov. 5.

"It amazes me what can be accomplished in a small county like Fulton County," she said. "Really it's an award for all the law enforcement and personnel in the county. My work would not be possible without their hard work."