Ganges Township Fire Department

03/26/2026

Join the Ganges Fire Family!!

We’re running out of people.

This isn’t a problem unique to one town or one firehouse. It’s happening everywhere.

Across our communities, the number of people willing and able to volunteer is shrinking. At the same time, the calls are not slowing down. If anything, they’re increasing. More emergencies. More need. Fewer people stepping forward to meet it.

Inside the firehouse, that reality is already here, and being felt in real ways.

The same names keep showing up. The same group of people answering calls again and again. The list isn’t getting longer. The workload isn’t getting lighter. The workforce isn't getting younger. We’re relying on neighboring departments to fill the gaps, and they’re relying on us to help them more than ever.

This isn’t about the future anymore. This is happening right now.

I won’t sugarcoat it. Joining a volunteer fire department isn't easy, and it takes time. The initial training is demanding. It will interrupt your routine. There will be nights when it’s inconvenient, when it would be easier to stay home, when you question whether you can keep up.

That part is real. But it’s also temporary.

What’s on the other side of that effort is something most people will never experience. You learn how to stay calm when others can’t. You learn how to step into situations people naturally avoid and actually be useful. You gain real skills you use on calls, at home, and in everyday life. And you become part of a group that shows up for their neighbors when they need it most.

It’s rewarding. It’s satisfying. And it makes a difference in your life, and in your community. It changes how you see yourself.

This isn’t about being a certain type of person. It’s not about being the strongest or the fastest. It’s not about having experience or knowing exactly what to do on day one. There are roles for all kinds of people; on the fireground, in EMS, and behind the scenes.

What matters is the willingness to step forward and learn. Men and women. Young adults. Parents. People with full-time jobs and other commitments. People who have thought about it before but never took the first step. You don’t need to be ready for the worst right now. You just need to be willing to start.

Because here’s the truth: The calls will keep coming. They always do. It might be your house. It might be your neighbor. The only question is who will be there to answer them. Will it be you?

If this made you stop for even a second, don’t overthink it. Stop by your local firehouse. Message them. Talk to someone. Sit in on a drill. Ask questions. No pressure. No commitment. Just come see what it’s really about.

Because the hardest part isn’t the training. It’s walking through the door for the first time.

- Captain Cummings

03/10/2026

⚠️ Severe Weather Possible Tonight – Be Prepared ⚠️

Taking a few minutes now to prepare can help keep you and your family safe.

Before the Storm:
• Secure or bring inside loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, trash cans, and decorations.
• Charge cell phones and portable battery packs.
• Make sure flashlights are accessible and have fresh batteries.
• Move vehicles away from large trees if possible.
• Clear storm drains near your property to help prevent localized flooding.

During the Storm:
• Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Keep away from windows during high winds.
• If thunder roars, go indoors – lightning can strike miles from a storm.
• Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown.
• If you lose power, use flashlights instead of candles whenever possible.

After the Storm:
• Watch for downed power lines and stay far away from them. Consumers recommends 25ft.
• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those who may need assistance.
• Use caution when driving—debris and standing water may remain on roadways.
• Report emergencies to 911 and non-emergency hazards to the appropriate local authorities.

Our crews will be ready if needed, but preparation and awareness help keep everyone safe.

03/07/2026

Change your clocks and check your smoke alarms. Alarms older than 10 years should be replaced.

02/01/2026

🚨 Slow Down for Emergency Lights 🚨

When you see emergency lights ahead — red, blue, amber, or green — please SLOW DOWN and stay alert.

Those lights mean responders are working on or near the roadway. Slowing down gives you time to assess the situation, watch for emergency vehicles, responders on foot, or unexpected hazards, and react safely.

Whether it’s a fire truck, police vehicle, ambulance, tow truck, or other authorized emergency or service vehicle, your awareness makes a difference. A few extra seconds of caution can help protect first responders, motorists, and yourself.

A small action can prevent serious injury — or worse. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe on the road.

— Ganges Township Fire Department

01/27/2026

Please drive with care if you have to be out today. There are significant hazards with the wind and cold. Slow down and move over for emergency responders.

01/22/2026

Slow down and stay safe. Stay home if possible and stay warm.

01/06/2026

-- Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to honor the life and service of Fire Chief David Haverdink, who passed away in the line of duty.

“Chief Haverdink was a proud family man and dedicated public servant,” said Governor Whitmer. “He was an example of the selflessness and dedication firefighters across Michigan demonstrate each and every day. Let’s honor this fallen hero and keep his family and the entire Hamilton Fire Department in our thoughts.”

Chief Haverdink served the Hamilton Fire Department for fifty-one years, with almost forty years as chief. In addition to his service, Haverdink worked for the Hamilton Distributing Company, eventually becoming president and co-owner. Haverdink also pursued a career in law enforcement, becoming a reserve deputy sheriff for Allegan County in 1980.

Haverdink’s community service and involvement extended beyond his work in public service. In 1990, he became a member of the Allegan County Board of Commissioners where he advocated for safety initiatives. In 1992, Haverdink successfully campaigned for Allegan County Sheriff and stayed in the role for eight years, advocating for the sheriff’s department and safety initiatives.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of Chief Haverdink by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

01/02/2026

Ganges Township Fire Department responded to 363 calls in 2025.
This represents 28 fewer calls than last year, and to our knowledge, marks the first time our call volume has not increased.

Call breakdown for 2025:
•191 EMS calls
•84 fire-related calls
•44 accidents (including iPhone crash notifications)
•44 hazardous situation calls (downed wires, gas leaks, trees down, and more)

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community. Thank you for standing behind us—we’re proud to serve Ganges Township and look forward to the year ahead.

12/29/2025

If you must travel today do so with care. Slow down, increase following distance. Give emergency responders as much room as possible, slow down and move over. There are numerous incidents, so drive with care.

12/26/2025

Ganges Fire extends our deepest sympathies to the members of Hamilton Fire Department, the family, and loved ones of Chief Haverdink.

Chief Haverdink’s dedication to service and leadership left a lasting impact on those who had the honor to serve alongside him. Our thoughts are with your department as you mourn this tremendous loss.