Remembering Trooper Butterfield

September 9, 2024

Photos and story by Jeff Kiessel, MCP contributor 

FREE SOIL TOWNSHIP — Emergency personnel, family and friends gathered along Custer Road on Monday to remember Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield, who was killed in the line of duty by a gunman on Sept. 9, 2013 while conducting a routine traffic stop on Custer Road north of Townline Road.

More than 50 people attended the annual memorial for Trooper Butterfield, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the citizens of Mason County.
Michigan State Sixth District Commander Jason Nemecek attended Monday’s memorial for his friend and coworker Paul Butterfield.
“I think it is extremely important to memorialize Paul’s life,” he said. “What he (Paul) has given and what every law enforcement officer sacrifices on a daily basis is what is important to remember. These are difficult times but Paul’s memories and what he has given is what we are trying to hold on too.”
An invocation was given at the memorial by Michigan State Police Chaplain John Hansen.
Hansen, a coworker and friend of Butterfields said Paul was a dedicated trooper.
“He was loyal and devoted to his career as a trooper, always willing to help others,” he said. “He was dedicated to his career, however he also enjoyed life and loved his co-workers.”
Hansen thanked the law enforcement officers, fire, EMS, and all of those dedicated to upholding the law for their dedication to making this state and world a better and safer place.

 

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