Gov. Rick Snyder today ordered U.S. flags on all state buildings and within the state Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield, who died as a result of injuries suffered in the line of duty on Sept. 9. Flags should be returned to full-staff after his funeral service.
“It is with a heavy heart that we ask flags to be lowered in honor of a brave man who gave his life in service to others,” Snyder said. “We continue to keep Trooper Butterfield’s family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers.”
Butterfield, who was stationed out of the Hart Post, joined the state police in 1999 after graduating from the 118th Trooper Recruit School. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was the son of a retired police officer and spent most of his time at a post in Manistee before he was transferred to Hart in Oceana County, 30 miles south of the shooting site.
“This senseless incident is a grim reminder that our brave public safety officers put their lives on the line every day when they go to work protecting Michiganders. They are heroes,” he said. “Our hearts break when a Michigan State Police trooper, or any of our other police officers or firefighters, is killed in the line of duty. Their loss is unquestionably felt by their families as well as the communities they serve and our entire state.” From Governor Snyder Press Release.
Attorney General Bill Schuette said “Butterfield made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our state.”
“The People of Michigan are privileged to have brave men and women like Trooper Butterfield who ensure the safety of our communities,” he said in a statement.
Butterfield was the 51st Michigan State trooper to die in the line of duty.
Sources :
Michigan Newswire, September 10, 2013.
“Flags to be flown at half staff for slain Michigan State trooper”, Detroit News, September 10, 2013.
Gongwer News Service, September 10, 2013.