SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT RENAMES THE NORTHWEST SERVICE CENTER IN HONOR OF FORMER DIRECTOR BUCK BUCHANAN
February 27, 2008 - On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, approximately 200 people gathered to show their support for the dedication of the Thomas M. "Buck" Buchanan Northwest Service Center.
This Northwest building was reconstructed in 1993 making it a state-of-the art Solid Waste Management facility; it was officially renamed on February 27, 2008 after one of the most loved Solid Waste Management Department Directors, "Buck" Buchanan. Buck, as the former director was affectionately called, retired last August. He served 23 of his 25 years with the City of Houston in the Solid Waste Management Department.
To celebrate this special occasion, Buck was joined by his wife, Karen; his sons, Jim and Tom Buchanan; his grandson Nathan Buchanan; his nephew, Rich Kelley; and his brother-in-law, Scottie Crowks. City dignitaries who attended the dedication ceremony: Controller Annise Parker, Council Member Toni Lawrence, Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt, 3-1-1 Director Gloria Bingham, and the Human Resources Acting Director Candy Clark Aldridge, IT Director Richard Lewis, and Neighborhood Protection Department Director Monticella Flanniken. Former Council Members Helen Huey and Mark Goldberg, the City's former Chief Administrative Officer Al Haines and recently retired Finance and Administration Director Judy Gray Johnson took time out to join in the festivities. Keep Houston Beautiful's Executive Director Robin Blut, Keep Houston Beautiful Commissioners Armando Valdez and Ruth Hurst, Judge Thoma and his wife, Jannel of Galveston, Texas were also among the many guests.
After having been roasted and toasted by Solid Waste Management Deputy Directors Daniel Gutierrez, Edward Chen, and Raymond Franks, Director Harry Hayes reflected on Buck's accomplishment's and his impact on the lives of the Solid Waste Management employees.
Clad in his official Scottish Buchanan garb, Buck humbly thanked everyone for coming out. He recognized the numerous Solid Waste Management employees who came out and who consistently work to make Houston a cleaner, better place to live. Although Buck was known throughout City Hall, he said he never forgot that it was the men and women of Solid Waste who worked so hard every day that made him look good.
There was an official ribbon cutting ceremony outside the new Thomas M. "Buck" Buchanan building and then an unveiling of a display case of many items that reflected the history of Buck and the Solid Waste Management Department.
