Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This is a area I travel often. My prayers are with the family and coworkers of Deputy Sheriff Michael Butler. May God wrap his arms around his family and give them the strength to deal with this grief.

SFC Timothy Jones
US Army Veteran

February 27, 2017

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one who’s blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 27, 2017

"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown

Deputy Explorer Witzel
San Diego Sheriff

February 27, 2017

Prayers and condolences for the family, friends and co-workers.
Thank you deputy Butler for your service.
Rest in Peace.

Chief R. A. McCann
Armour College Police

February 27, 2017

R.I.P.
Thank you for all you have done.

Lt. Randy Stephens
Colquitt Co. Sheriff's Office, Ga.

February 27, 2017

To have saved tried to save your life is a small consolation in the grand scheme of things, but at least he did. For that I thank the truck driver who did ultimately bring about your tragic and unnecessary death.

Deputy Butler, you did your job and did it to the best of your ability and died in that mindset. You truly are a hero and I thank you for your service.

God Bless you, Brother and may you eternally Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

February 27, 2017

I'm going to miss you, Chris. Godspeed brother.

Sergeant Joshua Ellwood
Valdosta Police Department

February 27, 2017

Rest in peace.
Thank you for your service.
May the Lord comfort your family, friends and co-workers.

Sergeant David Sheetz (retired)
Houston Police Dept.

February 27, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

ASAC, Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Federal Air Marshal Service

February 27, 2017

Rest in peace brother. You are a true hero.

Jamie Davis
Pittsylvania County sheriff's office

February 27, 2017

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service and dedication.

Cpl. M. Davis #2614
Prince George's County Police

February 27, 2017

Our Prayers go out to the family and friends of the Butler family and also to the Lowndes County Sheriffs Office. Brother thank you for your dedicated service and continued service as you patrol the streets of gold! GOD BLESS you ALL!

Freind , Scott Gard

February 27, 2017

Rest in Peace Deputy Butler. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and Prayers go out to your family, co-workers, and friends.

Lieutenant Robert T. Mote (ret)
Buena Park, CA Police Department

February 27, 2017

Rest with God deputy Butler. Your dedicated years of service and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Prayers for your family during this time in the lives.

retired police officer Bob Lester
Midland Texas Police Department

February 27, 2017

"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell WY Police Department

February 27, 2017

Sheriff Butler, your family, friends and co-workers knew that you were in a profession where your life is in danger each and every day, but that does not lessen the shock that resulted from the news of your death. May they find consolation that our Lord now has you under His care. May He immerse you in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

February 27, 2017

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest

S. I. Drake, Lt/IPD-IMPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

February 27, 2017

RIP brother, you will never be forgotten.

Officer J. Honeycutt
Utah Valley University Police Dept.

February 26, 2017

God Bless you my Brother... Rest in peace

Retired patrol officer Michael Taylor
Chatom PD

February 26, 2017

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends. Thank you for your unselfish service.

James P. Waggle
Civilian

February 26, 2017

RIP Deputy Butler. Praying for you and your loved ones.

Officer C Curione
Rochester Police Department, NY

February 26, 2017

Rest in Paradise, I have it from here "Brother"...

Inspector Robert McCowan
Dept. Of Homeland Security

February 26, 2017

On Behalf of the Hahira Police Department, we have lost a great Friend and Deputy. God Bless the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office and the Family of Michael Butler. Rest in Peace.

Sgt Douglas Robinson
Hahira Police Department

February 26, 2017

Rest In Peace dear brother. Thank you for your service. God bless your family and friends. We continue in your honor.

Police Recruit Jesus Valladares
Cobb County P. D.

February 26, 2017

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Retired

February 26, 2017