Res. No. 1126
Title
Resolution recognizing the ceaseless commitment and dedication of school crossing guards and calling for the first Monday of the school year to be declared School Crossing Guards Appreciation Day in the City of New York.
Body
By Council Members Lopez, Berman, Boyland, Malave-Dilan, Espada, Freed, Henry, Koslowitz, Linares, Marshall, Quinn, Warden, Wooten, Golden, Stabile and Ognibene; also Council Members Carrion, DiBrienza, Eisland, Fisher, Harrison, Michels, O'Donovan, Pinkett and Spigner
Whereas, There are over 1,800 school crossing guards in New York City and these extraordinary public servants routinely put their lives at risk in order to ensure the safety of our children; and
Whereas, Before being assigned by an individual police precinct to a particular school crossing, School Crossing Guards must undergo extensive training at the New York City Police Academy, where they learn how to properly maintain an atmosphere of safety at all times for the students at New York City public schools; and
Whereas, School crossing guards play an essential, though often overlooked role in ensuring the safety of our children, working tirelessly in all conditions to help children cross the street safely by halting traffic and controlling the environment prior to, during and after school hours; and
Whereas, School crossing guards must always be on alert, taking into consideration factors like reckless driving near the school, the effects of bad weather and a host of other potentially dangerous conditions that need to be assessed and controlled for the safety of the students; and
Whereas, Many school crossing guards are themselves parents, who can directly relate to the weight of responsibility that other parents place on persons such as themselves to care for their children while they are in school; and
Whereas, School crossing guards establish real bonds with parents, law enforcement personnel, school personnel and students and they are a vital part of the "in loco parentis" network that the parents of this city rely upon; and
Whereas, Repeatedly, school crossing guards put their lives at risk trying to prevent reckless drivers from injuring students, and on many occasions, they have fallen victim to the demands of the job; and
Whereas, The job of a school crossing guard is not an easy one, nor is it suitable for everyone, but rather for devoted, caring and loyal humanitarians who are willing to steer our children out of harm's way at any cost and often at great risk to themselves; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes the ceaseless commitment and dedication of school crossing guards and calls for the first Monday of the school year to be declared School Crossing Guards Appreciation Day in the City of New York.
Referred to the Committee on Public Safety.
MW
LS#2016