Patrol Officer Harry W. Butler

Patrol Officer Harry W. Butler | Milford Police Department, Massachusetts
Milford Police Department, Massachusetts
Patrol Officer Harry W. Butler

Milford Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Friday, September 8, 1916

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Harry W. Butler

Officer Butler was shot and killed while working in plainclothes with his partner in a residential neighborhood in response to individuals discharging firearms. Just after midnight, an individual approached the officers and asked what they were doing and who they were, when Officer Butler's partner responded that they were police officers the subject fired a revolver at point blank range striking Officer Butler in the face. A gang of a dozen or more men then appeared from the foliage in an ambush on the officers and exchanged gunfire with the officers. Officer Butler died at the scene.

Two men, 32 and 38, were arrested and charged with murder. Their trial resulted in the charges being dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Officer Butler was survived by his wife and three young children.

Bio

  • Age 28
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; Revolver
  • Offender Not available
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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Butler, it has been 108 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Milford.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

September 8, 2024

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