SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 435
In Memory
of
Mike Higgins
WHEREAS, Mike Higgins of Austin, chief of staff of the
Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, passed away on March 2,
2015, at the age of 59; and
WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Higgins was born in El Paso to
Owen and Dixie Belew Higgins on October 15, 1955; he grew up with
the companionship of his brother and sister, Marcus and Judy, and
graduated from Sherman High School before going on to attend
Grayson College; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Higgins began his career as a firefighter and
paramedic with the Sherman Fire Department in 1978; eventually,
he developed an interest in the implications of public policy for
the safety and well-being of firefighters, and he was inspired to
join the staff of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters in
1988; in the course of his work, he represented the organization
as a lobbyist, negotiated labor contracts, and backed firefighters
during arbitrations; and
WHEREAS, Among the achievements in which Mike Higgins took
particular pride were the passage of the first "meet and confer"
law supporting the right of firefighters to organize for
collective bargaining and another law permitting them to collect
donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association; he also played
a key role in the establishment of the Texas Commission on Fire
Protection in the 1990s, and even as he battled illness during
the later years of his life, he rarely missed a commission
meeting; during his many years in public service, he further
shared his expertise on health, labor, transportation, and
various other matters pertaining to state government; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Higgins was sustained
by the love and support of his wife of 38 years, Peggy, his
children, Hillary, Katie, and Stephen, and his grandson, Micah;
he treasured the time he spent with his family, and as a
"recovering golfer," he took pains to devote his leisure hours to
other activities; and
WHEREAS, Steadfast in his commitment to Texas
firefighters, Mike Higgins made a profound impact in the lives of
those who swear the oath of this noble profession, and his
achievements will be remembered and admired for years to come;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Mike Higgins and
extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife,PeggyHurleyHiggins;tohischildren,KatieHigginsPratt
and her husband, Heath, Stephen Higgins, and Hillary Higgins; to
his grandson, Micah Pratt; to his siblings, Marcus Higgins and
Judy Higgins Kropf; and to his other relatives, his many friends,
and his fellow firefighters across the Lone Star State; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Mike Higgins.
Menéndez
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 31, 2015, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate