Death of Hamilton fire chief gives solemn reminder of 'Move Over' law that protects first responders
The Christmas Day death of Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink, killed by a vehicle while serving his community, stands as a tragic and urgent plea for motorist safety.
ALLEGAN COUNTY — The Christmas Day death of Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink, killed by a vehicle while serving his community, stands as a tragic and urgent plea for motorist safety.
The accident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. Dec. 23. Haverdink, 74, was responding to a medical call on M-40 near 136th Avenue in Heath Township when he was struck by a vehicle. A 51-year veteran of the department, Haverdink succumbed to his injuries two days later on Christmas Day.
While the investigation is ongoing, authorities emphasize that winter driving requires "hyper-awareness," particularly the necessity of slowing down when emergency personnel are roadside.
Ottawa County Sheriff’s Sgt. Josh McCarthy said serious injuries to first responders are often the result of distracted driving.
“A lot of the time, motorists are distracted,” McCarthy said. “By the time they realize there is law enforcement, a fire truck, or a road commission truck on the side of the road, they see it too late.”
The 'Move Over' law
Tragedies like Haverdink’s were the catalyst for Michigan’s "Move Over" law
Enacted in 2001, the law requires motorists to “slow down and move over for stationary authorized vehicles with flashing, rotating or oscillating lights activated,” according to Michigan State Police.
Drivers must slow to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and “fully move over into an open lane,” according to the law. If moving over is not possible, motorists must “pass with caution, allowing the authorized vehicle as much space as possible.”
The penalties for breaking the law are steep:
- Civil infraction: Two points on a driver's license and a $400 fine.
- Injury to personnel: A felony punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Death of personnel: A felony carrying up to 15 years in prison and/or a $7,500 fine.
McCarthy hopes the law resonates with the public to prevent future accidents.
“It’s a great thing to have in place, and hopefully it keeps those numbers down,” he said.
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A call for caution
Beyond the legal requirements, McCarthy stressed that slowing down is a matter of human life.
“We have had some serious injuries at our department. There are always those close calls, almost every day, especially with the weather like this,” he said.
“We ask that if you can stay home, do so. If you must go out, just slow down. Do what you can to get safely to where you’re going so you get home safely — and we can go home safely, too.”
The first responder community continues to mourn Haverdink, whose public safety career spanned over half a century, including 40 years as fire chief and an eight-year tenure as the Allegan County sheriff.
“I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but it’s very sad. I’m sure their department is really struggling right now,” McCarthy said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the driver involved as the investigation continues. A funeral for Haverdink is scheduled for Jan. 6.
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
