[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BOBBY HAYES

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Bobby Hayes, 
who has dedicated over 24 years of his life to public service. In 
October of this year, when Bobby steps down as mayor of the city of 
Pelham, AL, he will leave behind a legacy of leadership and service to 
his community.
  For 24 years, Bobby has served as the mayor of Pelham. Over those 
years, Bobby has overseen many changes to the city. As a retired field 
commander of the tactical operations unit of the Birmingham Police 
Department, it was critical to Bobby that he provide local law 
enforcement with the tools needed to do their jobs effectively. Bobby 
successfully expanded the Pelham Police Department, adding a traffic 
unit, tactical operation unit, school resource officers and installing 
computers in all patrol cars.
  It was also under his direction that Pelham erected four new fire 
stations and a new public safety building to house the police 
department and the municipal court. During his tenure, Mayor Hayes also 
was instrumental in the building of the Pelham Civic Complex and Pelham 
Senior Center. Bobby also ensured that the Pelham sewer system and new 
sewer plant were completed and increased the city's water supply and 
storage facilities.
  A strong supporter of education and academics, Bobby oversaw the 
expansion and renovation of the Pelham Public Library. Since then, it 
has become one of only four public libraries in the State the Alabama 
Library Association recognized for excellence in library service. In 
2005, the library became the recipient of prestigious Blue Ribbon 
Library status.
  While many people think that the service Bobby contributes each day 
as mayor of Pelham is enough, he thinks otherwise. An avid leader, 
Bobby has been involved in many State committees and one national 
committee. In 2004, he was elected vice-president of the Alabama League 
of Municipalities and in 2005 he rose to serve as president. Bobby also 
represents the mayors of the 6th Congressional District to the State of 
Alabama Housing Finance Authority.
  Additionally, Bobby has held memberships with organizations such as 
the Alabama League Committee on State and Federal Legislation, National 
League of Cities Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy Committee, 
the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, and the Alabama City/
County Management Association.
  Bobby is married to Judith Lance Hayes. Together, they have three 
children and nine grandchildren.
  As Bobby embarks on another phase in his life, he will be remembered 
for his dedication and many contributions to the city of Pelham's 
ongoing prosperity and advancement. I wish him much luck in his future 
endeavors, and I ask this entire Senate to join me in recognizing and 
honoring the life and career of my good friend Bobby Hayes.

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