Slain Hillsdale Sheriff's Deputy Honored in July 4th Program

Lina Portman3 days ago

0 1 minute read

HILLSDALE — Organizers of the 98th annual Great American Celebration and Fireworks Show have dedicated this year's event in honor of Congressman Bill Butler, a retired Sergeant First Class with the Michigan National Guard who was killed in the line of duty June 27.

An estimated crowd of 6,000 gathered inside the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds on July 3 for family entertainment, fairground food vendors and a brief memorial ceremony honoring Butler's multiple combat deployments to Iraq.

Organizers said dedicating the event to Butler and his selfless service to his community, state and nation was fitting on an evening set aside to celebrate the very freedom to which Butler dedicated his life.

Master Sergeant Gary Easterling (ret.), Butler's former recruiting partner in the Michigan Army National Guard, spoke of Butler's character and dedication not only as a warrior but also as a law enforcement officer as members of the Michigan Army National Guard were escorted on stage by Butler's fellow police officers to lay a wreath at the center stage of the Fallen Warrior Memorial.

The Fallen Warrior Memorial, consisting of a combat helmet placed on the butt of a military rifle, combat boots and dog tags, is used to honor a soldier who has fallen in wartime.

Butler was part of the invasion force into Iraq in 2003 and returned to Iraq several times during his more than 21-year tour of duty.

He completed his career in the Michigan Army National Guard as a recruiter and retention noncommissioned officer and returned to the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office after his retirement.

— Contact reporter Corey Murray at[email protected] or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.

Lina Portman

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