“I feel honored to get this award, and for all the kind things the chief said,” noted Lazenby, a city native with a strong family firefighting tradition.McKevett School Principal Sheryl Misenhimer said teacher Crissy Crisp was the perfect choice for Educator of the Month. “Crissy has been with the district for 12 years and has been teaching first grade,” but Misenhimer said when she was made the reading coach “an amazing thing happened.”The amazing thing was Crisp’s dedication and talents earned her an American Literacy for Teaching Award, one of only nine awarded in the state. “You have to be so proud of your educators and your schools” as, said Misenhimer, “this beautiful little town we live in” can boast such an honor.“For Crissy’s ability to teach her ability to all our teachers, that’s what it takes to make our students better readers” and earn McKevett an 800-plus API score, the first district school to attain that benchmark. “But without Crissy,” Misenhimer said she does not know if the score could have been reached. “She was magnificent in that effort... she is a jewel. We cannot lose her.”GMSP Moderator Ben Schuck asked Crisp how she inspires not only students, but also other teachers.“I can’t be sub-par, I have to do my best all the time” while, Crisp noted, “just trying to share myself with everyone,” which includes high school students that Crisp said she also enjoys working with.John Macik/Santa Paula Chevrolet provided the monthly Chamber awards.
GMSP: SPFD Captain Lazenby, Educator Crisp honored for excellence
October 31, 2008
Santa Paula News
A Santa Paula firefighter whose boss said he could receive the Chamber of Commerce Public Safety award each month and a dedicated effective teacher were honored at the October Good Morning Santa Paula.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA Santa Paula firefighter whose boss said he could receive the Chamber of Commerce Public Safety award each month and a dedicated effective teacher were honored at the October Good Morning Santa Paula. Hosted by Santa Paula Rotary/President Mike Mobley, the Chamber-sponsored event was held October 15 at Logsdon’s Restaurant.Fire Chief Rick Araiza said it is “a great pleasure to start out the year” for GMSP by recognizing Captain Steve Lazenby as Public Safety Officer of the Month. “I could give this award every month to Steve,” the Santa Paula Fire Department “elder statesman” who joined the department in 1982 as a volunteer, and has since distinguished himself not only as a firefighter, but also as the city’s Emergency Preparedness coordinator.Araiza noted a small brush fire in the South Mountain area was quickly extinguished by SPFD personnel and proved that “seasonal” temporary additional staffing is vital during red flag warning periods.“Many people see Steve all the time... we just went through Emergency Preparedness Month and he is instrumental in getting programs together.”Lazenby is also the recognized “CERT guru,” and Araiza said he organized not only the local program - the largest in the county - but also in Ojai.Lazenby also oversees Santa Paula Citizens Corps, which oversees emergency and disaster preparedness and response and held a recent summit targeting businesses, schools and churches. “He’s tremendous; I know I never have to worry about Steve,” who tackles and successfully completes all special assignments and duties.
