‘Thin blue line’ flag stolen from trooper’s memorial site.

‘Thin blue line’ flag stolen from trooper’s memorial site.

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FREE SOIL TOWNSHIP — A “thin blue line” flag was stolen over the weekend from the memorial site on North Custer Road dedicated to Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield who was killed in the line of duty in 2013, according to Sgt. Charles Hockanson of the MSP Hart post.

Trooper Butterfield, who worked for the Hart post, was murdered during a traffic stop at the site Sept. 9, 2013 by Eric Knyzs of Irons. Knyzs was convicted of murder and subsequently killed himself in prison.

The “thin blue line” is a symbol used by law enforcement to commemorate fallen officers and to show support for living police officers.

The theft of flag, which is under investigation, was reported Sunday, April 30, at noon, Hockanson said.