Funeral procession, services for fallen firefighter Monday.
SHELBY — A funeral and procession for fallen firefighter Michael Buitendorp are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23, following visitation at Harris Funeral Home.
“Due to COVID precautions, visitation is private and there will be no public visitation before the procession and funeral service,” states a press release Grant Township Fire Department.
“There will be a funeral procession leaving Harris Funeral Home at approximately 1340 hours (1:40 p.m.) Public safety personnel and apparatus that would like to join the procession should arrive at the funeral home at or before 1300 hours (1 p.m.)
“Shelby-Benona Fire Department Lieutenant Mark Burmeister will be outside to coordinate staging and logistics for the procession. Apparatus should check in with Lt. Burmeister for specific instructions on where to stage.
“The procession will travel south on Michigan Avenue to State Street/Oceana Drive where it will continue south five miles to Arthur Road. The procession will then head east to Eagle Cemetery where there will be a graveside service.
“With COVID restrictions, please follow the guidelines provided by the State of Michigan as the number of people gathering is restricted.
“If you have apparatus that would like to honor the life of Michael by participating in the procession, please contact (Grant Township Assistant Fire Chief) Dan Yost at medicyost@hotmail.com, so lineup logistics can be coordinated in advance.”
The 40-year-old firefighter leaves behind a wife and four children age 10 and under. A Go Fund Me page has been set up for Buitendorp’s family.
Please consider helping fund local news. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals who support our service. Click on the PayPal donation button located on the top right of our website.
This story is copyrighted © 2020, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.