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