Legislation introduced by Sen. Joseph Bellino to honor Hillsdale County Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr. has been signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The new law designates a section of Highway M-34 in Hillsdale County, from Pioneer Road to South Pittsford Road, as the “Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr. Memorial Highway.”
Bellino, a Republican representing Monroe, expressed appreciation for the governor’s support and highlighted Butler’s background and service. “I want to thank the governor for signing this legislation to pay tribute to the life and service of Deputy Butler, who was an Iraq War veteran, a devoted husband, a loving father and a well-respected law enforcement officer,” said Bellino. “Deputy Butler served and protected the people of Hillsdale County for a dozen years, and this new memorial will help ensure his life, service and sacrifice are never forgotten.”
Butler was killed in 2024 at age 51 after being shot while assisting another officer during a traffic stop. He was the first Hillsdale County sheriff’s deputy killed on duty since 1930.
Senate Bill 70 is now Public Act 10 of 2025. According to state law, private contributions must fully fund any costs related to erecting or maintaining highway markers for memorial highways, ensuring no fiscal impact on state or local governments.
