By Gari Voss
The call began as a medical incident on M-40 near 136th Avenue in Heath Township in Allegan County at about 6pm on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, but in an instant, everything went wrong when the announcement came that there had been a car/pedestrian incident.
Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink had responded to the medical call. In the process of assisting the person in crisis, Haverdink was struck by a passing vehicle. He was immediately transported to University of Michigan Health West in Wyoming but succumbed to his injuries on December 25, 2025.
In his 74 years, Haverdink had been a member of the Hamilton Department for 51 years. During that time, he took time from 1993-2000 to serve as the sheriff of Allegan County then served as the Hamilton Fire Chief for more than 40 years.
Responses to the incident gave Haverdink resounding high marks for respect.
Sgt. Kyle Baker with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office shared, “Chief Haverdink is widely respected throughout all of West Michigan, serving on numerous boards and organizations, and providing outstanding service to citizens throughout the Hamilton Fire Department’s coverage area.”
“Dave was a great person and a highly respected leader in public service whose impact was felt throughout Southwest Michigan,” stated South Haven Area Emergency Chief Brandon Hinz.
Martin Township Fire & Rescue concurred, “Chief Haverdink served the citizens of Hamilton and surrounding areas faithfully for over 50 years. His leadership and legacy were felt countywide, and we wish all our extended family at Hamilton Fire and Chief’s immediate family strength and peace as they navigate this very difficult time.”
This respect grew because of Haverdink’s responses to and interactions with those he served. “This man was a good cop,” explained Faron Frazee of Allegan. “Way back in 1996, I was in a head on collision on A37. A woman was passing in a no passing zone, and I was miraculously unharmed. I was pregnant at the time, very shaken and in shock. He took the time to get me water, and he waited with me until my husband came to pick me up. He checked up on me a week later. I’m very sorry for your loss, and I thank you for sharing him with us.”
Sandy Rasche-Borden wrote her heart-felt thoughts, “We thank you for your loyalty and dedicated service to your community. With honor and respect you will be remembered always and missed dearly. Sending prayers and gentle hugs to your family, friends and community.”
Though the current incident was not attributed to alcohol or speed, there are still details that are unclear. Many have expressed anger toward not only the driver in this situation, but all those who refuse to slow down and move over when approaching flashing lights beside thoroughfares. Haverdink was the 36th emergency response person struck when working a scene in 2025.
Michigan’s Move Over Law states that it is necessary to “slow down and move over for stationary authorized vehicles with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights activated.”
Emergency response officers, tow-truck drivers, construction workers, good Samaritans, and more have been struck by drivers who are not paying attention. Drivers get distracted. Grand Rapids Fire Department Battalion Chief Richard Clark reflected on stops made by his crews. “[Drivers] want to see what’s going on … so they’re not looking, and we could be coming out from behind something, or they do not see that there are accidents on both sides of the highway. Or sometimes, we’re not quite in position yet if the accident just happened in front of them. And we get close calls every day. Tragedies happen less often, thank God, but the close calls happen all the time. We just ask that drivers show respect by slowing down to prevent accidents.”
In 51 years of answering all types of calls, Haverdink dealt with more tragedy than he would have liked to share. In the same voice, he answered those calls and cared.
Sgt. Kyle Baker with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office said. “The family and the Hamilton Fire Department request peace, privacy, and prayer as they work through this deeply troubling time.”
Funeral services for the chief will be held at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 W. 40th St., Holland on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, starting at 1 p.m. Visitation will be on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Central Wesleyan Church.
