MICHIGAN Flags at Half-staff for Chief of the Hamilton Fire Department

LANSING, Mich— Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered all U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday to honor the late David Haverdink, who died on Christmas after being hit by a vehicle while on duty as the chief of the Hamilton Fire Department (HFD).

Haverdink, 74, was on the scene of a medical incident on M-40 near 136th Avenue in Heath Township around 6 p.m. on Dec. 23 when he was hit by the vehicle, according to HFD. He died at the hospital two days later on Christmas.

All U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex as well as all public buildings and grounds across the state should be lowered, according to Whitmer’s office.

• Previous coverage: Hamilton fire chief David Haverdink, 74, dead after being hit by vehicle in Allegan County

“Chief Haverdink was a proud family man and dedicated public servant,” Whitmer said. “He was an example of the selflessness and dedication firefighters across Michigan demonstrate each and every day. Let’s honor this fallen hero and keep his family and the entire Hamilton Fire Department in our thoughts.”

Haverdink was with HFD for 51 years and served as the chief for more than 40 of those years. He also served as sheriff of the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office for eight years, firefighters said.

The Hamilton Fire Department (HFD) in Allegan County announced the death of one of their own, Chief David Haverdink, who was hit and killed by a vehicle Tuesday evening. Haverdink also served as the sheriff for Allegan County for eight years. (Allegan County Sheriff’s Office/WWMT)

• Related: Funeral services for Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink set for early January

In 1990, Whitmer said he became a member of the Allegan County Board of Commissioners where he advocated for safety initiatives.

“The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of Chief Haverdink by lowering flags to half-staff,” Whitmer’s office wrote in a news release. “Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.”

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

While flags are at half-staff, there will be a funeral service followed by a procession leading to the cemetery where Haverdink will be laid to rest. Though the funeral and procession will be open to the public, the cemetery service will only be for family and the fire department, according to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office.

The funeral will take place at 1 p.m. at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland. Afterwards, a procession will lead to Riverside Cemetery in Hamilton.

It is likely that the procession will go through the area where Haverdink was hit — M-40 and 136th Avenue — between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., deputies said. Subsequently, law enforcement will be shutting that intersection down to ensure anyone traveling near the area is safe.

Additionally, deputies said 47th Street between 136th Avenue and M-40 will be closed off during the cemetery service.