[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE OF UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS VETERAN AND TULLYTOWN 
              FIREFIGHTER MATTHEW ``MATT'' WALLACE HAINES

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 12, 2026

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to 
honor the life and legacy of Matthew ``Matt'' Wallace Haines, a man 
whose journey through this world was defined not by ease, but by 
extraordinary service, resilience, and a deep devotion to others.
  Born Michael Stephan LaVallee on May 13, 1971, in Calgary, Alberta, 
Canada, Matt passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 54. His 
early life was marked by challenges that demanded uncommon strength and 
perseverance. Rather than allowing those hardships to define him, Matt 
transformed them into a source of empathy, grit, and compassion. These 
are qualities that he carried with him to shape the man he became, the 
way he lived, the way he served, and the lives he touched.
  Matt was a proud United States Marine and a volunteer firefighter for 
more than 20 years, serving with distinction as a Captain with the 
Tullytown Fire Company, Station 33. The residents of Tullytown knew 
that when the sirens sounded, someone who genuinely cared was on the 
way. In dangerous situations which others would run from, Matt would 
courageously and instinctively run towards the emergency to aid and 
assistance. Service was not something Matt took lightly nor was it just 
a word to him. It was the heartbeat of who he was. His leadership, 
courage, and quiet dependability set a standard for what it truly means 
to live a life of civic duty.
  Above all, Matt Haines was a family man. He leaves behind those who 
loved him, including his wife, Alyssa Renee (Grayson) Haines; his sons, 
Casey Ryan Haines and Jonathan Tomczyk; his daughter, Audrey Lightner, 
and her wife, Corine Lightner; his grandchildren, Alysia Dennis, Ayden 
Lightner, and Evan McFarland; his beloved mother and father, Jane 
LaVallee and Glen Papin, and his younger brothers, Stacey Schinold and 
Shelby Schinold. He is also remembered fondly by the many friends who 
became family over the course of his life.
  Mr. Haines was also deeply loved by Alyssa's family, whom he embraced 
as his own. He is remembered by Christine (Albertuzzi) Grayson, whom he 
often said was the first true mother he had ever known; Lon Grayson, 
whom he proudly called ``Dad''; his wife, Judy (Sindelar) Grayson; 
Jared Grayson; Melody Salvero Grayson; and his nieces, Chelsea and 
Taylor Grayson.
  Mr. Speaker, we also pause with solemn reverence to remember that 
Matt was preceded in death by his beloved son, Matthew Tyler Haines. 
This heartbreaking loss forever shaped his life, yet even in grief he 
chose love, carrying his son's memory in every step he took.
  Matt Haines will be remembered as someone who lived boldly and 
authentically. His friends and family will remember him as the ``watch 
this'' kind of guy. Matt was someone who made people laugh, pushed 
limits, and brought energy and humor into every room he entered. His 
larger-than-life personality, fearless spirit, and sharp sense of humor 
left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Matthew 
Wallace Haines. He was a United States Marine, a Fire Captain with 
Tullytown Fire Company Station 33, a husband, a father, a grandfather, 
a son, a brother, and a friend. We recognize a life that burned 
brightly in service, in love, and in courage. May his legacy endure, 
and may he now rest in eternal peace.

                          ____________________