Slain Hillsdale County deputy remembered as ‘American hero’

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS/WOOD) — The funeral service for the fallen Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Deputy William Butler happened Wednesday morning at the Hillsdale College Chapel.

The service was open to the community. Leaders, friends and community members spoke about Butler, calling him a “rugged, engaging and caring man” “family man,” and “American hero.”

Butler was shot and killed during a traffic stop on June 27. He tried to pull over a suspect police identified as Eric Fiddler. When Butler tried to arrest Fiddler, investigators say Fiddler pulled out a handgun, shot the deputy, and took off.

Butler was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

After a search that lasted hours, Fiddler was found and he once again shot at police officers who returned fire, hitting and killing him, investigators said. Police said Fiddler had a known criminal history and warrants out for his arrest.

Flags were lowered Wednesday across the state to honor Butler, 51, who was a married father of three.

Butler worked for the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years and previously served in the U.S. Army National Guard for two decades.

“The blood which fell on that horrible day last week has not fallen in silence as we mourn the loss of our friend and our colleague,” said one man who spoke, who said he has identified himself as a minister, law enforcement commander and community leader.

“We have lost a hero,” he added.

Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott B. Hodshire spoke to what he called a “sea of law enforcement officers.”

“The very fabric of all of our lives, no matter the uniform color, the badge style or department, is service and protection to our community. Again, together, we will continue to defend and we will continue to protect with greater purpose and greater passion doing this for Deputy Butler,” he said.

He addressed Butler’s family saying, “We will not allow your husband, your dad, your son, your friend, to ever be forgotten. He made the greatest sacrifice and we shall never forget.”

State Rep. Andrew Fink, R-Osseo, spoke of Butler’s dedication to both his community and country.

“Wearing the sheriff’s star, he stood one last time on Thursday between us, his neighbors, his friends, his family and one who would do us harm … in giving his last full measure of devotion to his community, Deputy Butler showed us that his oath as a deputy sheriff was not just words,” he said.

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