Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags on all public buildings across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday in honor of an Allegan County fire chief who died on Christmas as the result of an injury sustained while on duty.

Whitmer says Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink was a proud family man and dedicated public servant. She says he was an example of the selflessness and dedication firefighters across Michigan demonstrate every day.

Haverdink served the Hamilton Fire Department for 51 years, with almost 40 years as its chief. He also worked for the Hamilton Distributing Company, eventually becoming president and co-owner, and pursued a career in law enforcement, becoming a reserve deputy sheriff for Allegan County in 1980.

On December 25, Haverdink succumbed to injuries received on December 23 when he was struck by a vehicle while responding to a medical call.

The governor’s office says flags should be flown at half-staff Tuesday and returned to full-staff Wednesday.