Governor holds signing ceremony dedicating Trooper Butterfield highway.

State Rep. Ray Franz, R-Onekama, and Gov. Rick Snyder display Public Act 441, a new law naming a portion of M-116 in Mason County after fallen State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield. Also (from left): Chief Deputy Steve Hansen, Deputy Jeremy King, Pat Butterfield, Rep. Jon Bumstead, Jennifer Sielski, Sheriff Kim Cole and Deputy Brandon Romero.

LANSING — State Rep. Ray Franz honored fallen State Trooper Paul K. Butterfield at a Tuesday bill signing with Gov. Rick Snyder that named a portion of M-116 in Mason County after the fallen trooper.

“Paul’s death is a terrible tragedy. He risked his life every day for the people of this community and now Trooper Butterfield’s life will be forever memorialized in Mason County,” said Franz, R-Onekama. “We not only acknowledge the sacrifices Paul made, but celebrate Paul’s life and the endearing qualities that made him such a kind-hearted and passionate person.”

Franz worked with Trooper Butterfield as a first responder and firefighter when Butterfield was stationed in Manistee County.  House Bill 5257, now Public Act 441 of 2014, was introduced by Franz and co-sponsored by Rep. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo. The majestic stretch of land in Mason County beginning at Lincoln River and continuing north to Big Sable River will now be known as Trooper Paul K. Butterfield II Memorial Highway.

Trooper Butterfield’s fiancé, Jennifer Sielski, and his mother, Pat Butterfield, were also present at the bill-signing ceremony, along with Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole; Chief Deputy Steve Hansen; Deputy Jeremy King; and Deputy Brandon Romero, who were close friends and colleagues of Butterfield.

Following the ceremony, Sheriff Cole remarked on the significance of the day.

“I know I speak for the other three deputies when I say that we are truly humbled to have been invited here today,” Cole said. “The bond we shared with Paul while serving as law officers together was truly one of kind. Paul was a man who always worked hard, maintained a positive attitude and was a modest individual. He didn’t became a lawman to receive accolades, he simply wanted to serve and protect his community because he had a heart of gold.

“Myself and my deputies were the first to respond to the scene when we got reports of a trooper being shot,” Cole continued. “That being said, this memorial highway means more to us than most of you will ever know, and for that we are eternally grateful.”

M-116 from Lincoln River to Sable River has been designated the Trooper Butterfield memorial highway.