Detroit City Wire

The Michigan House of Representatives has passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Joseph Bellino to name a portion of Highway M-34 in Hillsdale County as the “Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr. Memorial Highway.” The legislation seeks to honor Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr., who was killed in the line of duty in 2024.

“With the House’s action, we’re one step closer to honoring the life and service of Deputy Butler, who served and protected the people of Hillsdale County for 12 years,” said Bellino, R-Monroe. “Last year, we tragically lost Deputy Butler in the line of duty. He was an Iraq War veteran, a devoted husband, a loving father and a well-respected officer.

“This bill will soon be sent to the governor. With her signature, this tribute would help ensure Deputy Butler’s life, service and sacrifice are never forgotten.”

Senate Bill 70 proposes that the section of M-34 from Pioneer Road to South Pittsford Road carry Butler’s name. Deputy Butler died at age 51 after being shot while assisting another officer during a traffic stop last year. He is recognized as the first Hillsdale County sheriff’s deputy killed on duty since 1930.

The proposed law stipulates there will be no fiscal impact on state or local governments because private contributions must fully fund the cost of highway markers for memorial highways under current state law.