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