[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING BRIAN HAYDEN UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY 
                               OF BUFFALO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 2016

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Brian Hayden as 
he retires from the City of Buffalo. Brian's career with the City 
spanned over forty years.
   Brian was born on February 8th, 1954 at Our Lady of Victory Hospital 
in Lackawanna, New York to his beloved parents John & Dorothy (Norton) 
Hayden. He has two siblings, Dennis and Susan.
   Growing up, Brian graduated from Holy Family Grammar School in 1968, 
one of several Catholic schools in the close-knit community of South 
Buffalo. He went on to attend Father Baker High School, becoming Senior 
Class President for the class of 1972. Brian attended Brockport 
College.
   Brian first worked as a pool attendant at the Boone Street 
Playground during the summer of 1973, transitioning into a rink guard 
at Cazenovia Ice Rink. The next year, he started as a Laborer with the 
Carpenters for the Buffalo Board of Education. In 1979 he became co-
owner of the Ounce and a Half, a favorite neighborhood gathering spot 
on Abbott Road in South Buffalo.
   In 1983 Brian became a Building Inspector for the City of Buffalo. 
As an inspector, he ensured structures were safe and compliant with 
local, state, and federal regulations. Working his way up through the 
ranks, in 1990 he moved to the role of Director of Building Safety & 
Health for the Buffalo Board of Education. In 1993 he began his service 
as the Director of Building Inspections for one year, continuing to 
serve as a Building Inspector afterwards.
   A family man, Brian is married to Jean Ann Kalec, with whom he has 2 
sons, Matthew and John. He is also known for his community involvement, 
and volunteers for many races, organizations, and groups. He is a 
founding member of the Connors, Kait, Harrity Memorial Race, which went 
on for twenty-five years. Brian won the prestigious Irishman of the 
Year award in 1995 and the St. Thomas Aquinas Parishioner of the Year 
in 1996.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor Brian 
Hayden upon the occasion of his well-deserved retirement. His service 
to the City of Buffalo and our community are worthy of recognition. I 
wish him all the best in his future endeavors and a fulfilling, 
relaxing retirement.

                          ____________________