Grant Township firefighter dies in line of duty.

Grant Township firefighter dies in line of duty.

OTTO TOWNSHIP — A 40-year-old Grant Township firefighter died while responding to a camper fire on South Forest Glen Drive Wednesday evening, Nov. 18, according to a press release from the Grant Township Fire Department.

“It is with great sadness that Grant Township Fire Department reports the loss of Firefighter Michael Buitendorp. Firefighter Buitendorp was responding to a report of a camper fire on South

Buitendorp

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.”

His four children are school-age, said Grant Township Assistant Fire Chief Dan Yost.

Buitendorp died from an “unknown medical issue,” said Yost. An autopsy will be performed.

“Information on services will be released when it becomes available.”

The fire was dispatched at approximately 9 p.m., according to dispatch information.

A 31-year-old Rothbury man was cited at the scene for an illegal burn of the camper, according to the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office.

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