Community Honors Massey, Haynes, & Fair – Photos and Video

Friends and supporters gathered for a reception Tuesday morning at the Depot Civic & Cultural Center in honor of the more than 90 years of combined service that retiring Mayor Bert Massey, Councilman Darrell Haynes and Councilman Dave Fair have provided the City of Brownwood over the years.

A few presentations were made to honor the special services that these men have given to Brownwood. 

City Finance Director Walter Middleton spoke of Dave Fair, “He always took to heart the issues of public safety” and noting how he played an instrumental part in the ambulance service in 1991, starting up the Police Chaplains’ Service and that he is still an active member of the Texas State Guard.  Middleton then presented Fair with a lighted hard hat covered in emergency related stickers.  Later in the reception, County Judge Ray West commented on Fair’s emergency management service, stating that he thinks there should be an ambulance named in honor of Dave Fair.

Don Hatcher, City Public Works Director, spoke of Darrell Haynes, noting his service as a Rotarian, a member of the Transportation committee, helping on the airport board, and other projects.  He also pointed out that Haynes really disliked red lights.  To honor him, the city presented Haynes with a traffic signal with all green lights.

Pat Chesser, City Attorney, presented Bert Massey with some items taken from Massey’s own office (to jokingly “regift” in order to save city funds) which included his gavels, a giant cigar, a plate about lawyers, and a turtle hat.  Chesser stated of Massey, “What his mantra has always been is ‘what’s the best interest for the citizens in this city?’  This theme has carried forth in everything he’s done.  He has taken his leadership and abilities to take difficult issues and focus the council on those issues to help the city succeed when it could have easily failed.”  He then thanked Massey for his leadership and friendship.”

Gary Butts (former city manager) along with businessmen J. Fred Perry, Richard Porter, and Stuart Coleman all spoke of the accomplishments of the three men, from economic development and infrastructure improvements to courting Texas State Technical College and the TR Havins Correctional Facility. 

County Judge Ray West spoke of Massey, Haynes and Fair, stating, “These three men represent what our country is crying out for, moral Christian leadership.”  Of Massey specifically, West noted, “If given the choice of being his law partner, sharing public service or being his friend, I’d choose being his friend.”

State Representative Jim Keffer, read a proclamation honoring Bert Massey’s many years of public service to Brownwood and Brown County. 

New Mayor Stephen Haynes then read his first proclamation making May 11, 2010 Bert Massey, Darrell Haynes, and Dave Fair Day.” (see video below)

Each of the honorees took the podium to say a few words. 

“There’s not a better community than right here in Brownwood, Texas,” stated Darrell Haynes.   In regards to the green light presented to earlier in the reception, he stated, “…Brownwood doesn’t stop, it is always all the way to future achievements.  I think the future is bright for Brownwood…with qualified successors.” He closed in saying, “I have been blessed to have lived in Brownwood.  Thank you for allowing me to serve.”

Bert Massey said,  “No place in the world has better people…having the opportunity to grow up and then live in Brownwood, the best place in the world, and the best place in the world to be Mayor, if you are going to be Mayor anywhere.”  He then closed with saying “It has been a true honor to be just a small part of what the city has accomplished…it’s been a true honor and pleasure.  God bless Brownwood.” (see more of Massey’s comments in the video below)

Pictured above is retired Mayor Bert V. Massey II thanking his friends, family, and neigbors for supporting him as mayor over the years.

Click our photo gallery below for a look at Tuesday’s reception.