How to Attend Funeral of Hillsdale County Deputy Sheriff Killed in the Line of Duty

HILLSDALE, MI – Those wishing to honor Hillsdale County Deputy Sheriff William Henry Butler Jr. can do so on Wednesday, July 3.

The Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office released instructions Wednesday for attending services for the fallen deputy, asking attendees to follow its guidance for a smooth and respectful service for the family.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. at the Hillsdale College Chapel, 18 E. Galloway Drive, but everyone is asked to arrive early as public seating inside the chapel will close at 10:45 a.m. Anyone arriving after 10:45 a.m. will be directed to Plaster Auditorium, where the service will be simulcast.

Butler, 51, died Thursday, June 27, after a man shot him as Butler helped a detective sergeant conduct a traffic stop at 2:15 p.m. in the area of ​​Beecher and Lamb roads near Osseo, 8 miles (13 kilometers) southeast of Hillsdale in Jefferson Township, police said.

Related: Deputy fatally shot during traffic stop identified as Iraq War veteran, father of 5

Public parking is available in Hillsdale College parking lots 10, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 36, 37, 38 and 39. Security staff will assist in directing vehicles to the lots.

A police escorted procession will immediately follow the ceremony. The procession will begin at the corner of Galloway Drive and Hillsdale Road. It will continue south on Hillsdale Road to Carleton Road, head south on M-99 to East Bacon Street and turn onto Wolcott Street to Lakeview Cemetery at 40 Bernard St.

The Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to gather in the streets along the procession route to show support for the family.

Procession times vary but are expected to begin between noon and 1 p.m.

Flags should be flown at half-staff on the day of the funeral, and law enforcement officials have requested that flags be flown at half-staff on city buildings.

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