HILLSDALE, Mich. —
Hundreds of first responders and community members gathered Wednesday at Hillsdale College to honor a Hillsdale County sheriff's deputy who was killed in the line of duty.
Deputy William "Bill" Butler Jr., 51, was shot during a traffic stop last week.
"We come today broken and hurt," said Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire. "No sheriff ever thinks this will happen."
Butler's life was a life of service during his funeral.
He graduated from Hillsdale High School and worked at the Bailey Factory, according to a press release from Michigan's governor.
He served in the Army National Guard for 20 years and was overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later worked as a recruiter.
Butler spent the last 12 years of his life as a deputy for Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office.
"Resting in this very casket represents a strong man, courageous, tough, rugged," said Jeremiah Hodshire, a close friend of Butler's family. "We cannot look upon him without another word. An American hero."
Those who spoke at his funeral described him as a leader, a helper and a family man.
Butler leaves behind his wife Sarah, five children and two grandchildren.
"Today, to see the hundreds of marked units that were lined up and close to 700 personnel that did a file by to recognize Butler’s service and be there for be there for his family is a heart-touching moment," said Matt Saxton, executive director for the Michigan Sheriff's Association.
First responders from across Michigan and Northwest Ohio joined the procession that lasted nearly an hour to celebrate Butler's life.
Flags lined the street throughout the town and community members came out to show their support for the fallen hero.
Butler was given full military and law enforcement honors at Lakeview Cemetery.
"You should be here today, but you can't," Jeremiah Hodshire said. "All we can say humbly is thank you, my friend."