Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr. Courtesy | Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office
A portion of Highway M-34 in Hillsdale County will officially take the name of fallen Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr.
The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Joseph Bellino and Sen. Jonathan Linday, passed through both chambers unanimously Aug. 26. It designates a stretch of the highway between Pioneer Road and South Pittsford Road as the “Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. Memorial Highway.” According to Bellino, Butler’s associates and other Hillsdale community members can easily raise about $3,000 for the signs, which the Michigan Department of Transportation will install.
Butler was shot during a traffic stop near Beecher Road in Hillsdale County and died at Hillsdale Hospital in June 2024. He was an Army veteran who served the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. Bellino, who introduced the legislation in February, said the memorial ensures Butler’s name and service will remain part of the community for generations.
“Even though in the past there have been debates about road naming, when it comes to first responders, it’s always unanimous,” he said. “Democrats, Republicans — it doesn’t matter. We want to honor those people.”
Former State Rep. Andrew Fink said Butler’s family helped shape the legislation.
“Sen. Bellino and I reached out to people close to Deputy Butler’s family, and they suggested the section of road that was ultimately designated in the bill,” he said.
With Public Act 10 of 2025, Hillsdale leaders say the memorial is more than a road sign. It is a permanent reminder and commitment to honor those who have served Hillsdale County.
In the House, Michigan State Rep. Jennifer Wortz delivered a testimony speech before the final vote, which also passed without opposition.
“This legislation was introduced last year but didn’t make it to the governor’s desk. This year, after Sen. Bellino reintroduced it and it passed the Senate with a unanimous, bipartisan vote,” Wortz said. “Our next step to honor him is a plaque and sign. Everyone who passes through this road is going to see William Butler’s name and be reminded of his dedication and devotion to Hillsdale County.”
Fink, who was in office when Butler was killed, said he and Bellino began discussing a memorial highway immediately after the tragedy.
“I had already sponsored a bill naming part of M-49 after Marine Sergeant Michael P. Hodshire, who was killed in Iraq, and I believed this was an appropriate way for the state to respond to the loss of a first responder or serviceman,” Fink said.
The memorial also sends a broader message to officers across the state, according to Wortz.
“Overall, passing this bill serves as a reminder to law enforcement officers that they are appreciated every time they are on duty,” she said. “They put themselves in harm’s way to protect us.”
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