Governor calls trooper’s death senseless, honors Butterfield

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder released the following statement after the death of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield of the Hart Post in the line of duty on Monday.

“This senseless incident is a grim reminder that our brave public safety officers put their lives on the line every day when they go to work protecting Michiganders. They are heroes.

“Our hearts break when a Michigan State Police trooper, or any of our other police officers or firefighters, is killed in the line of duty. Their loss is unquestionably felt by their families as well as the communities they serve and our entire state. We realize the extraordinary difficulty of their jobs and the sacrifices they make for us.

“A tragic event like this shakes us all, but it also bolsters our resolve to make our streets and our neighborhoods safer.

“We thank Trooper Butterfield for his bravery, his service and his sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, friends, and colleagues.”