Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-08

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRE CHIEF DAVID HAVERDINK

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On 2026-01-08, Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRE CHIEF DAVID HAVERDINK" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRE CHIEF DAVID HAVERDINK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [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. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRE CHIEF DAVID HAVERDINK Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [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. ____________________