Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink died on Christmas Day 2025 from injuries sustained while serving in the line of duty.

The second child and oldest son of Harvey and Harriet Haverdink, David’s early life on the Haverdink farm was one of adventure, fun, and healthy mischief. Harv founded Hamilton Distributing Company, and in his teens, David delivered grain bins and equipment for his dad. When Harv retired, he sold the business to David and his son-in-law. David was president and co-owner until 1992.

David served for 51 years with the Hamilton Fire Department. His love for helping others began at age 16, when he drove an ambulance for a local funeral home. In 1982, Hamilton Fire Chief Richard Boeve, a close friend, died while serving in the line of duty. A few years later, David was appointed fire chief, a position he held for the rest of his life.

David was dedicated to his fellow firefighters and respected for his leadership with the Allegan County Fire Chiefs Association and other organizations. In the late 1990s, he was instrumental in the construction of a new fire station. More recently, he was proud to collaborate with several departments in the development of a live fire training facility for area firefighters.

In 1980, David became a reserve deputy sheriff for Allegan County. In 1990, he was elected to a term on the Allegan County Board of Commissioners, where he helped implement new safety initiatives. In 1992, David was elected Allegan County Sheriff and served in this position for eight years. It was common on nights and weekends to hear Sheriff Haverdink check in over the radio, often arriving on scene to assist his deputies in incidents from routine traffic stops to major crimes.

David’s most significant role was as husband, dad, and grandpa. After graduating from Holland Christian Schools and completing an associate degree at Davenport University, David and Judy were married in 1972. They built a home, traveled, and became parents to two sons. Together, through nearly 54 years of marriage, they raised a family built on love, commitment, adventure, tradition, and faith. At every gathering of family and friends, David was at the center. He added humor, wit, stories, and mischief and found ways to let people know they were special to him.

David’s faith in Jesus Christ was secure and provided the underpinning of his lifetime of service to others. He is irreplaceable to his family and will be deeply missed forever. David is cherished in memory by his wife, his sons and their wives, four dear grandchildren, extended family members, countless friends, and his second family, members of the Hamilton Fire Department.