LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Paul Ziring upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award by the Fire-
men's Association of the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge educators of remarkable integrity and character
whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Paul
Ziring upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Teacher
of the Year Award by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York,
to be celebrated on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at the Nassau County Fire-
fighters Museum and Education Center in Garden City, New York; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the Firemen's Association of the State of New York
(FASNY) recognizes an outstanding teacher who has demonstrated a remark-
able dedication to fire prevention and the safety of students and their
families; and
WHEREAS, Paul Ziring began his illustrious teaching career with the
Great Neck School District in 1995, serving as a Health Education teach-
er; and
WHEREAS, For the past decade, this esteemed educator has served as the
Special Education Outdoor Education Coordinator for the District where
he expanded the program and implemented field experiences outside of the
schoolroom to successfully help build students' self-confidence and
expose the students to a wide range of stimulating life skills activ-
ities; and
WHEREAS, Paul Ziring has made it his life's mission to create a better
life for his students in the Special Education program; he has placed a
strong focus on fire safety and protecting the well-being of these young
and often vulnerable students; and
WHEREAS, An innovator in his field, Paul Ziring has developed and
refined the fire-safety curriculum to provide disabled students with the
training to stay safe in the event of a home or other fire; the effec-
tiveness of his program has been recognized by area educators who are
advocating for its widespread implementation; and
WHEREAS, Paul Ziring frequently brings his classes of students to the
Nassau County Firefighters Museum & Education Center to learn about fire
prevention and safety; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he has helped Museum instructors adjust their
programs and develop a new curriculum and reservation guidelines to
improve teaching classes for all special needs children; and
WHEREAS, Paul Ziring has given presentations to numerous organizations
about the benefits of the program he began at the Museum, including
local SEPTA groups and at a STEM field trip; and
WHEREAS, Through his tremendous efforts, Paul Ziring has raised aware-
ness about fire prevention, and the most effective means for special
needs students to survive in a fire emergency; and
WHEREAS, Recently, Paul Ziring was featured on WABC-TV's annual Opera-
tion 7 Save-a-Life program which provides news and education on fire
safety to television and online audiences in the Tri-State area; and
WHEREAS, The future success of our State and Nation is dependent upon
individuals such as Paul Ziring who have dedicated their lives as educa-
tors, nurturing our most precious resource, our youth; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Paul Ziring has brought an uncompro-
mising standard of excellence to his work and a warm sense of caring and
concern to every young person he educates; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Paul Ziring upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Teacher of the Year Award by the Firemen's Association of the State
of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul Ziring.