House approves bill to name part of M-116 in honor of Trooper Butterfield

Trooper Paul Butterfield

LANSING — The Michigan House of Representatives today approved state Rep. Ray Franz’ legislation to name a section of M-116 in Mason County in honor of Trooper Paul Butterfield.

House Bill 5257 names the stretch of M-116 along the Lake Michigan shoreline leading into the Ludington State Park from the Lincoln River north to the Big Sable River as the “Trooper Paul K. Butterfield II Memorial Highway.”

“Honoring Trooper Butterfield and his service to our communities with this memorial highway designation will stand as a permanent reminder of his dedication and the sacrifice Paul was willing to put on the line,” said Franz, R-Onekama. “Paul made a lasting legacy on all the lives he touched, whether it was answering a call for help, protecting our safety on the roads or his welcoming smile in passing. Along this highway section, that legacy will continue in his memory.”

Butterfield was shot and killed on Sept. 9, 2013 during a traffic stop on Custer Road north of Townline Road in Freesoil Township. The man who killed Butterfield, Eric John Knysz, 20, of Irons, was found guilty in February. He is scheduled to be sentenced in 51st Circuit Court on Tuesday, April 8 at 4 p.m.