Remembering Trooper Butterfield.

MSP Chaplain John Hansen salutes during the playing of “Taps.”

Remembering Trooper Butterfield.

FREE SOIL — A small ceremony is held every Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the roadside memorial dedicated to the memory of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield, who died on that date, at that location while on duty in 2013. Today was no exception as a couple dozen people gathered on North Custer Road for a short tribute to a man who left a large impact on many people. The ceremony is organized every year by Jerry and Shirley Chancellor of the Fountain Area Fire Department. The Chancellors were among the first emergency personnel to arrive on the scene that evening when a 19-year-old Irons man shot Trooper Butterfield, a resident of Grant Township.

The ceremony included an honor guard from the Michigan State Police and Mason County Sheriff’s Office, along with a message from MSP Chaplain John Hansen, the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Bob Perrin, the singing of “Amazing Grace” by Heather Tykoski, and the playing of “Taps” by Dr. Alan Mast.

“We will never forget,” Shirley Chancellor said.

An honor guard from Michigan State Police and Mason County Sheriff’s Office salutes.