The Hamilton Fire Department and surrounding communities are mourning the loss of 74-year-old Fire Chief David Haverdink, who was struck and killed by a vehicle while responding to a call in Heath Township.
On December 23 at approximately 6 p.m., the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a collision between a car and a pedestrian on M-40 near 136th Avenue. Haverdink, a 51-year-old veteran of the police department, was shot while responding to a medical incident, according to ACSO.
Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink
He was flown to U-M Health Western in Wyoming in critical condition and died from his injuries on Christmas Day.
Harvey Dink served as county commissioner for more than four decades, in addition to eight years as Allegan County Sheriff, according to ACSO.
“Haverdink was widely respected throughout West Michigan, serving on numerous boards and organizations and providing outstanding service to the citizens of the entire (department) coverage area,” ACSO wrote. “The family and (department) ask for peace, privacy and prayers as they work through this deeply disturbing time.”
According to his obituary, Harvey Dink’s funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on January 6 at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 West 40th Street, Holland, with early visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. on January 5. He will be buried at Riverside Cemetery in Hamilton.
The accident remains under investigation.
— Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of the Netherlands Sentinel. Please contact her at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared in the Dutch Sentinel: Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink killed while responding to call