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Committee advances bill to rename portion of M40 for fallen Chief David Haverdink
Summary
The House Transportation Committee reported House Bill 5989 with recommendation after Representative Smith described honoring Chief David Haverdink, who was fatally injured responding to a call. Members asked about sign funding; the bill was reported unanimously (17–0).
Representative Smith told the committee she introduced House Bill 5989 to rename a portion of highway M40 in Alagan County — between 132nd Avenue and 138th Avenue — as the Chief David Haverdink Memorial Highway. She said Chief Haverdink served more than five decades in local public safety roles, including 51 years with the Hamilton Fire Department and eight years as Alagan County sheriff, and that he later served on the Alagan County Board of Commissioners.
Smith said Chief Haverdink was struck by a vehicle while responding to a call on Dec. 23 and died of his injuries days later. She asked the committee to approve the renaming to honor his service to the community.
Members offered condolences and asked logistical questions. Representative Brock asked who would pay for the highway sign; Smith said the Alagan County Fire Chiefs Association and a private donor have pledged to fund the signage. The committee also noted a neutral comment card from Max Alban of the Michigan Department of Transportation was filed and read into the record.
Vice Chair Alexander moved to report the bill with recommendation. The clerk called the roll; the committee recorded 17 yays, zero nays and zero passes. House Bill 5989 was reported out of committee with recommendation.
The committee did not take further action on implementation timing or placement of the sign; Representative Smith expressed gratitude for the committee's support and the memorial's importance to the Hamilton community. The bill will proceed to the next steps in the House process.
