CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Mike Tantillo has spent 38 years in public service, 28 as Ontario County's District Attorney.

"My boss asked me for a commitment of three years, ya know, so, but I loved it!" he said.

Tantillo grew up in Mount Morris, graduated from Geneseo and went to law school in Buffalo. He was Ontario County's first, full-time First Assistant D.A. He says he's proud he's helped move this entire office to a full-time staff.

"Any D.A. who really wants to do the job the right way knows that it's far, far more than a 40-hour a week job," Tantillo said.

His career prosecuting criminals is lengthy: He's tried more than 200 felony cases. Even in his last week as D.A. he presented a case to the grand jury and is scheduled in court.

"I like being in the courtroom and I like being required to think on my feet and response quickly to events as they transpire," he said.

Tantillo says the most troubling cases are crimes against children. In 1996, Mark Mastin was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after being convicted of setting his house in Hopewell on fire, killing his three children.

"When you can secure a measure of justice for someone who has been victimized by criminals it is a very gratifying feeling," he said. "It makes you feel as though you have done something worthwhile, and you have."

Tantillo is looking foward to more time with his wife Laura, his two sons, who are also attorney's, and his grandchildren.

At age 64, Tantillo is ready to travel and enjoy more free time, but says he is not ending his law career for good. 

"There is a good chance that I may remain involved in criminal prosecution in some way, at some level, in some locality because I just don't want to give it up cold turkey yet," Tantillo said.