Senator Pushes to Honor Fallen Deputy with M-34 Memorial Highway

M-34, Hillsdale County, Michigan, USA - In an effort to honor fallen law enforcement, Michigan State Senator Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe) is pushing for the renaming of a section of M-34 after late Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Deputy William H. Butler Jr. The bill, introduced back on February 5, 2025, recently cleared committee on June 11 and is now set for further discussion in the Michigan Senate. If it passes, the stretch of highway from Pioneer Road to South Pittsford Road will be designated as the „Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr. Memorial Highway,“ a fitting tribute for a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Hillsdale.net reports that Deputy Butler was tragically killed during a traffic stop in June 2024 when Eric Michael Fiddler, a passenger in the vehicle he was investigating, shot him with a concealed pistol.

Thousands attended Butler’s funeral, a testament to the impact he had on the community and the respect he garnered among fellow law enforcement officers. His death has left a profound void, underscoring the dangers that officers face daily. By pushing forward this naming initiative, Senator Bellino not only aims to commemorate Butler’s memory but also emphasizes the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by all law enforcement professionals. Bellino previously introduced a similar bill to memorialize another fallen officer, Deputy Darrian Young from Monroe County, demonstrating his commitment to acknowledging the risks faced by those sworn to protect and serve.

Significance of the Bill

The legislative proposal is part of a broader effort that dates back to when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed four bills on July 19, 2022, to rename portions of Michigan highways to honor military and police personnel who lost their lives in service. As highlighted by Michigan.gov, such designations aim to keep alive the legacies of those heroes, ensuring they are never forgotten within their communities.

The section designated as the „Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr. Memorial Highway“ is part of an amendment to the Michigan Memorial Highway Act established in 2001. The proposed changes to this act add a new section 115 specifically to remember Butler’s dedicated service. Memorial highways are often used to recognize local heroes, particularly those in law enforcement, serving as a source of pride for the community and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who protect them.

Other Highway Designations

Butler’s designation joins a list of other memorial highways across Michigan, including:

• Corporal DeAngelo Snow Memorial Highway – Honors an Army Specialist killed in Afghanistan.
• Sergeant Craig S. Frank Memorial Highway – Commemorates an Army Specialist who died in Iraq.
• Sergeant Ryan J. Proxmire Memorial Highway – Honors a sheriff’s sergeant killed during a high-speed chase.
• Officer Jessica Nagle-Wilson Memorial Highway – Honors a police officer who died responding to a call.

With each designation, Michigan strengthens its commitment to recognizing the valor and sacrifice of its fallen heroes. As this bill moves through the legislative process, it’s a moment that not only honors Deputy Butler but also serves as a poignant reminder of the risks taken by law enforcement every day.

For now, the desire to honor Deputy Butler’s sacrifice grows as the Senate prepares for discussions on this crucial legislation. Michigan stands ready to remember a deputy who was taken too soon.