Go Fund Me page set up for fallen firefighter’s family.

Go Fund Me page set up for fallen firefighter’s family.

“They are not the type of people to ask for help as they were the ones giving it, but at this time of uncertainty anything and everything would be helpful.”

A Go Fund Me Page has been set up to help the family of a 40-year-old Grant Township firefighter who died while responding to a camper fire on South Forest Glen Drive in Otto Township Wednesday evening, Nov. 18.

Firefighter Michael Buitendorp was responding to the fire when he suddenly stopped breathing while driving a water tanker truck.

Buitendorp

Buitendorp leaves behind his wife, Anna, and four children — Jasper, Isabel, Redding and Andrew — age 10 and under.

“On November 18th, 2020, we lost a member of our community,” states the Go Fund Me page. “A firefighter and friend but even more importantly — a husband and a father. Mike was a family man that loved his wife and four children aged 10 and under, as well as the community he lived in.

“Mike was headed out on a fire call and suddenly stopped breathing. His friends and colleagues did everything they could to resuscitate him, but he passed away at the age of 40.

“Anna is left behind to raise their children and learn to live in a world without him. They are not the type of people to ask for help as they were the ones giving it, but at this time of uncertainty anything and everything would be helpful. If you feel in your heart and can help at all, please do. Continued prayers and support are most appreciated.

“So many people that knew Mike and even those that didn’t know him, have reached out, so thank you for all of the love and support.”

“It is with great sadness that Grant Township Fire Department reports the loss of Firefighter Michael Buitendorp,” states a press release from the fire department. “Firefighter Buitendorp was responding to a report of a camper fire on South Forest Glen Drive in Otto Township when he went unresponsive while driving a Grant Township FD tender (water tanker truck). Firefighter Buitendorp’s passenger was able to stop the vehicle and then radio for help while he tended to Firefighter Buitendorp.

“Grant FD firefighters responded to aid Firefighter Buitendorp along with Grant Rescue and Life EMS. He was transported to Mercy Health Lakeshore Hospital. Attempts to resuscitate Firefighter Buitendorp were unsuccessful. He is survived by his wife Anna and children Jasper, Isabel, Redding and Andrew.”

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