- Hundreds of first responders come to Hillsdale County to honor a fallen deputy
- William Butler Jr. was killed last week in Jefferson Township while assisting during a traffic stop
- Video shows the beginning of the funeral procession and comments from inside the service at Hillsdale College's Christ Chapel
Neighbors near and far came to Hillsdale County to celebrate the life and legacy of William Butler Jr.
The Hillsdale County sheriff's deputy was killed in the line of duty last week while assisting another deputy in a traffic stop.
"I truly believe tragedies like this make an office stronger as well as the community coming together," said Captain Kevin Bradley.
Stories of Butler's love and generosity filled the inside of Hillsdale College's Christ Chapel Wednesday morning, the eve of Independence Day.
"During the big Michigan blizzard," said one man at the podium. "Billy, what did he do when he knew the animals were cold? He built igloos to protect the animals."
Another story shared during Wednesday's service was when Butler bought Thanksgiving meals for inmates when the county couldn't afford it.
"That speaks volumes to the person that he was. Always investing in someone else's life."
Butler was considered 'an American hero' for putting his life on the line everyday in Hillsdale County and during Operation Iraqi Freedom for the National Guard.
Hundreds of officers from various departments across the state made the drive to Hillsdale. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II was also in attendance.
PHOTO: MICHIGAN LT. GOV. GARLIN GILCHRIST II ATTENDS WILLIAM BUTLER JR'S FUNERAL
Once services ended, Butler's casket was brought out of the chapel while bagpipes played as pallbearers placed his body in the hearse to take him to his final resting place.
Want to see more local news? Visit the FOX47News Website.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts.
