H.R. No. 1198
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of Michael Wayne Higgins, the chief of
staff for the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, on March 2,
2015, at the age of 59; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 15, 1955, Mike Higgins embarked on
his career in public safety in 1978, when he became a firefighter
and paramedic for the Sherman Fire Department; he joined the staff
of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters in 1988, and for
nearly three decades, he served as an advocate for firefighters
throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, In his work as the TSAFF's chief of staff, Mr.
Higgins tirelessly defended the health, safety, and well-being of
his fellow firefighters; he negotiated labor contracts,
represented firefighter rights in arbitration, and lobbied for
safer equipment and working conditions; despite his reputation for
being tough, he earned the respect and friendship of generations of
public officials; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, his determined efforts helped lead to the
adoption of the Sean McKinnis Charitable Solicitation Act, which
allows firefighters to collect money on street corners throughout
the state in behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association;
moreover, Mr. Higgins assisted in the passage of similar laws in
California, Illinois, Florida, and other states; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Mr. Higgins enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Peggy, and their three children; and
WHEREAS, Throughout a career in public safety that spanned 37
years, Mike Higgins upheld the highest standards of his profession,
and he leaves behind a record of achievement that his loved ones can
remember with pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Michael Wayne Higgins
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Peggy; to their three children; and to his other relatives and
many friends and colleagues; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Mike
Higgins.
Flynn
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1198 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 26, 2015.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House