[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRE CHIEF DAVID HAVERDINK

  (Mr. Huizenga of Michigan was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. I have 
some prepared remarks, but I will also be speaking from my heart as 
well because, unfortunately, today I am here to honor the life and 
legacy of my friend, former sheriff and Fire Chief Dave Haverdink.
  Dave was a staple in Allegan County who dedicated his life to serving 
his community until the moment tragedy struck in the line of duty on 
December 23. Dave passed away on December 25, Christmas Day.
  He was there serving others as there had been an incident on a 
roadway and, unfortunately, he was struck and killed.
  I first got to know Dave while he was serving as a county 
commissioner and was running for sheriff of Allegan County. While Dave 
excelled in both of those roles--in fact, he did 8 years, two terms, as 
the sheriff--his service didn't stop there.
  Perhaps what Dave will be most remembered for was his astounding 51 
years of service with the Hamilton Fire Department, including 40 of 
those years when he served as chief of the department.
  Prior to coming out to Washington, D.C., I had a chance to go and be 
with his family at a visitation. I was touched and moved when his wife 
said to me that she and Dave pray for me and everybody in Washington 
every single day. It just speaks to the character of this family. At a 
time when the focus should be on them and supporting them, they still 
were thinking of others, including me and all of our colleagues here.
  While Dave undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on Hamilton and all of 
Allegan County, his legacy, though, is going to be one as a husband and 
a father and a grandfather who loved his family deeply. My heart and 
prayers go out to his wife, Judy; sons, Jeff and Tim; and the entire 
Haverdink family during this tragic time.
  This is a true loss. It is a loss not just for a particular 
community. It really is a loss for humanity. He is one of the good 
guys. He is one of those that put service to others above self. He is 
someone that focused on making sure that others were okay at every turn 
and didn't think about himself.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring the memory, life, and 
legacy of Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Haverdink with a moment of silence.

  May my friend rest well. Job well done.

                          ____________________