[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 74 (Monday, May 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E966-E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN TRIBUTE TO DONALD W. HAYNES HONORING THE THIRTY-TWO YEAR SERVICE ON 
                      THE HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2007

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to 
Donald W. Haynes, of Houston, Texas, on his retirement from the Houston 
Fire Department after 32 years of dedicated service.
  Donald Haynes' roots were planted in the deep, strong foundation of 
family. Donald was born in Beaumont, Texas to Mr. and Mrs. Elwin and 
Evelyn Haynes. He is the oldest of their four children. Because 
Donald's father was in the U.S. Navy, the Haynes family relocated to 
different military assignments approximately every 3 years. As such, 
Donald has been privileged to travel to many places across the country 
and the world. He has lived in Providence, Rhode Island; Morocco, North 
Africa; Norfolk, Virginia; Alameda, California; Middletown, Rhode 
Island; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  Madam Speaker, though he traveled and relocated to many domestic and 
foreign places in his young life, Donald worked diligently to finish 
his educational studies. Donald graduated from Antilles High School in 
San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1970, the same year his father retired from 
the U.S. Navy. When his family returned to Beaumont, Texas Donald 
attended Lamar University his freshman year. In the summer of 1971 the 
Haynes family moved to Houston, Texas. Donald transferred to the 
University of Houston and graduated from there in December 1974 with a 
B.S. in Psychology. Mr. Haynes received an M.S. Degree in Criminal 
Justice Administration from Sam Houston State University in 1988 and an 
A.S. Degree in Fire Technology in 1992 from Houston Community College. 
He is also a graduate of the 166th Session of the FBI National Academy 
held in Quantico, Virginia from June 1991 to September 1991.
  Donald's graduation from the University of Houston was merely the 
beginning step of a long glorious journey of public service. Donald 
worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for about six months 
prior to his acceptance into the Houston Fire Academy in June 1975. He 
graduated in October 1975 and was elected President of the 1975- B 
Class. His first assignment was Hobby Airport, Station 36 on the A 
Shift. He later transferred to Station 35 after his probationary period 
was completed.

[[Page E967]]

  In 1977, as one of two firefighters with a college degree at his fire 
station, Donald was selected to attend Polygraph School. Donald 
graduated from Polygraph School, completed his internship and became a 
Texas Licensed Polygraph Examiner in May 1978. He has conducted 
polygraph examinations for the Houston Arson Bureau, HFD Internal 
Affairs, HFD Recruiting Division; Homicide Division of the Houston 
Police Department; Airport Police, Park Police, City Marshall's Office 
and other law enforcement agencies.
  Though Donald had accumulated numerous achievements, he did not rest 
on his laurels but continued to excel at every level and distinguished 
himself through a number of praiseworthy promotions. Donald's 
promotions through the Civil Service ranks of the Houston Fire 
Department include: Chauffeur in May 1980; Inspector in September 1982; 
Investigator in 1985; Senior Investigator in November 1995 and Asst. 
(Chief) Arson Investigator September 2001. Donald was also appointed to 
the rank of Assistant Fire Chief from 1992 to 1993.
  Donald also holds a number of State Certifications. He has been a 
licensed polygraph examiner for 29 years. In, addition, he is a Master 
Firefighter; Master Fire and Arson Investigator; Master Peace Officer, 
TCLEOSE Instructor; Intermediate Fire Instructor; and Field Examiner.
  Madam Speaker, Donald has admirably served over 22 years in the 
Houston Arson Bureau as a State of Texas commissioned Peace officer. He 
also has contributed to community outreach service. He has been a 
member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc for over 35 years. He is 
also a Life Member of the NAACP, and has served on the Board of 
Directors of Shape Community Center for over 10 years (1992-2003).
  Chief Donald W. Haynes has proudly served the Houston Fire Department 
and the Citizens of Houston, Texas from June 1975 until February 2007, 
a period for 31 years and 8 months. Though Donald extinguished many 
fires in his career, it was an inner blazing and burning flame that 
sparked his desire to perform at the highest level.
  In closing, Madam Speaker, let me say that I, on behalf of all 
Houstonians, am grateful for the outstanding dedication and public 
service Donald has given to the Houston Community for nearly 32 years. 
We can never repay you for the priceless service you have bestowed on 
our community. We congratulate you and hope that your well-earned 
retirement brings joy to your life.

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