MANISTEE, Mich.- More than 3,000 officers came to Manistee High School, Saturday to honor and remember Trooper Paul Butterfield who was killed in the line of duty.
A flag draped casket sat in front of the loved ones of Trooper Butterfield. His uniform hung beside the photo of a man who died protecting his community.
“We all die a little when we receive such terrible news,” Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue. “He loved his country by serving in the U.S. Army and I know he loved the Michigan State Police serving with integrity and courage.”
It’s the incredible man Trooper Butterfield was that brought officers from every single state and even other countries to his funeral. Many brought American Flags for the Butterfield Family.
Fellow Michigan State Police Officers honored him with a 21 gun salute.
“He was not just a soldier and 14 year veteran of the Michigan State Troopers, he was also a kind-hearted animal lover, “ Rev. Joel Ehlert said.
Governor Rick Snyder told the story of Trooper Butterfield making sure a cat had food and water after arresting both of it’s owners.
And, with tears in his eyes Snyder spoke to Trooper Butterfield’s father, “You should be proud of the life he lived and for the love he had for you and your family.”
For so many Trooper Butterfield’s murder is a reminder of the dangers public safety officers face every day. And as deeply painful as it is for many to cope with this tragedy and give their final salute to Trooper Butterfield, there is peace and motivation in knowing he died doing what he loved.
Col. Etue said, “We also need to tell our brother Paul that we know our work never ends and we’ll take it from here. Godspeed my dear Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield, may you rest in peace.”
