HAMILTON, Mich. -- A funeral with full honors will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday for Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland.
He was struck by a vehicle December 23 on M-40 near 136th Avenue while responding to a medical call in Allegan County. Haverdink died at the hospital on Christmas Day.
The route for the funeral procession is posted on the Hamilton Fire Department's Facebook page. Chief Haverdink's family will be in the lead fire apparatus. The county's emergency manager, Sarah Clark, told WOOD Radio the private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery after the processional.
"We will have law enforcement vehicles that are shutting down certain intersections," Clark said. "So, we just ask that the public is aware and travel safely if they need to travel in the area. And also to be patient to allow the procession to go through the area."
After the funeral, there will be a procession from the church to Riverside Cemetery, where a private graveside service will be held for Haverdink's family and the fire department.
"Please be respectful, as the graveside service is going to be a private service for the Hamilton Fire (Department) and the Chief Haverdink family," Clark said.
The standard protocol for civilians and those not in uniform is to place their right hand over their heart during the procession.
Haverdink was struck by a vehicle on December 23rd while responding to a medical call on M-40 near 136th Street in Heath Township.
The Haverdink was with the fire department for 51 years, with more than 40 years as the chief. He also served as the Allegan County Sheriff from 1993 to 2001.
He was 74.
###