LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan House on Wednesday approved Sen. Joseph Bellino’s legislation to honor Hillsdale County Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr., who was killed in 2024.
“With the House’s action, we’re one step closer to honoring the life and service of Deputy Butler, who served and protected the people of Hillsdale County for 12 years,” said Bellino, R-Monroe. “Last year, we tragically lost Deputy Butler in the line of duty. He was an Iraq War veteran, a devoted husband, a loving father and a well-respected officer.
“This bill will soon be sent to the governor. With her signature, this tribute would help ensure Deputy Butler’s life, service and sacrifice are never forgotten.”
Senate Bill 70 would designate a portion of Highway M-34 in Hillsdale County from Pioneer Road to South Pittsford Road as the “Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr. Memorial Highway.”
Butler was killed on duty at age 51 after being fatally shot while bravely assisting another officer during a traffic stop in 2024. Butler was the first Hillsdale County sheriff’s deputy to be killed on duty since 1930.
If the bill is signed into law, it would have no fiscal impact on state or local government. State law requires sufficient private contributions to completely cover the cost of erecting and maintaining markers indicating the name of a memorial highway.
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