HILLSDALE, MI (WTVB) – For the second time in six days, a sheriff’s deputy in Michigan is being laid to rest.
Funeral services for William “Bill” Butler Jr. are being held Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillsdale College Christ Chapel.
The 51-year-old Hillsdale County deputy died after being shot by a suspect last Thursday. The suspect, 34-year-old Eric Fiddler of Jonesville, who had been wanted on several warrants, died in a shootout with police about four hours later.
It’s the first time since 1930 a Hillsdale County police officer has died in the line of duty.
A police-escorted procession will take place immediately following the service. Residents are being asked to support the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Deputy Butler by lining the streets along the procession route. Procession times will vary but are expected to begin between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m..
Numerous local law enforcement officers will be on hand for the funeral. Sheriff John Pollack and Undersheriff Keith Eichler will be leading a large delegation from the Branch County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Pollack stated “Over my forty-five years with the Sheriff’s Office, there have been many times Branch and Hillsdale County Sheriff’s deputies have been called upon to back each other in times of crisis, today is no different. We are making this trip to honor Deputy Butler’s sacrifice and to support the Hillsdale Sheriff’s Office”.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Bradley Reckling was shot and killed on June 22 in Detroit as he followed a stolen vehicle. Reckling’s funeral was last Friday.
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