Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey George when I was a Cadet in Vallejo . I went up with You and Jerry ... Since then I have served and protected our country for over 30 yrs as a police officer.... And special Deputy USMS Thank You and Bless You wear Your Wings with Honor... Love You

Joel M McQueen
Retired PD

May 29, 2022

Semper Fi CHPY. You are with us forever. May God Bless you and your family. Rest In Peace brother.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol & US Marine

December 7, 2020

George was my partner on graveyard shift for several years. Our families socialized together. He and I teamed up when frequently dispatched to riot duty in Berkeley during the late 1960's. He was a natural comedian and made our work fun in the midst of tumultuous times.

Ironically, on the day he was struck down, I was driving home from work in Sacramento and noticed the traffic completely stopped in the opposite direction on I/S 80 near Vacaville. I presumed it was a serious and possibly a fatal traffic accident. I had no idea that it also was the scene where George was struck and killed by the chopper blade. Later that evening I received a call from one of the CHP Sergeants telling me what had happened. He said he did not want me to hear about the accident on the news. Needless to say I was stunned and saddened at the loss of George. Many memories came to mind of our times together.

I was pleased to be present when the bridge in Napa County was named after Him.

When I go to the CHP Academy, I look at his memorial plaque and it brings back those special memories that will not soon be forgotten. I also, looked up his plaque at the Peace Officer's Memorial in Wash, D.C. when I was visiting there. George was special to me and my family.

Officer (Retired) Jim Dowling
California Highway Patrol

April 26, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Butler.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 8, 2017

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

George Butler was a neighbor and a friend, and it is hard to believe it has been 25 years since he died. That was such a sad and horrible day. I fondly remember George as having a huge presence, and a quirky amazing sense of humour. George could make any situation a funny one, as evidenced by some of the stories people told about him at his funeral. You are missed my friend. I wish we had been granted many more years of your presence.

Always rock the boat, George!

Cassandra Maynard
Friend and Neighbor

May 8, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pride and pain are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 8, 2011

I was a cadet when this tragedy occurred. It was a heartbreaking time. The way the academy staff handled telling us young cadets about Officer Butler's death, I knew I had joined a real family and I was proud to be a part of it.

Fast forward to today, almost 25 years to the day of Officer Butler's death, while on-duty and about to eat my lunch in an SF establishment, I met George Butler's daughter. She introduced herself to me. The honor of meeting her will always remain with me. It was a very brief conversation, but an honor nonetheless. I know that these things happen for a reason and I am so touched.....

Thank you

Laura Clare, #11846, Sergeant
CHP, San Francisco

October 14, 2011

I was an officer at Dixon PD when this happened. I don't know why I was thinking about it today, but since I was, I thought I'd leave a message. Rest in peace Officer Butler. Even after all these years, people still think about you.
God Bless you, and your family.

mari g alvarez
Yolo County Sheriffs Dept-retired

September 28, 2011

George was one of those guys that made me want to join the Patrol. He and the rest of the Napa crew would come into my in-law's restuarant and tell me I needed to get out from behind the grill. I had just begun the testing process when George was killed; a huge loss. During my first time polishing the names of the fallen, found on the fountain at the Academy, I found myself bringing George's plaque back to its proper luster. I completed this task with pride in my heart and stiffled tears in my eyes. You have made me proud to don the uniform George.

Sgt Wulf Corrington #12452
California Highway Patrol, Solano Area

June 15, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Butler. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

I am the granddaughter of Irving and Belle Poritz who where killed in the accident that Officer Butler was taking pictures of at the time of his death. I was just made aware of this site and wanted to take the opportunity to add a note to the memorial page and express my thoughts on his service and dedication. Our family was devastated when we found out that our loving grandparents had been taken from us too soon. And that devastation was made worse and our hearts ached even more when we got the news that Officer Butler was killed while taking pictures of the accident. Words can not express how terrible we all felt knowing that he was killed and that he wouldn't be going home to his family that day. In our grief for our loving parents and grandparents we also were remembering Officer Butler and that he gave his life serving the communityand our grandparents. I being the wife of a New Jersey Sheriff's officer know that feeling of worrying and waiting for him to come home. I would like to tell the family of Officer Butler that he is not forgotten and his memory will live on in our hearts and minds forever.It has been so many years sence that day, but not a day goes by that I dont think about my loving grandparents and officer Butler. I would like to tell his family of how sorry we all are for their loss and that they are still in our thoughts and prayers.If any of them would like to contact me I would like that very much.

Deorah Kulpa
Irving and Belle Poritz Granddaughter

October 5, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 5, 2007

"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 whos 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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

November 21, 2007

I have no doubt that your memorial nameplate at the academy has been polished just a tad brighter today George.. 20 years have passed since that terrible day but the memory of you lives on in many ways and many minds.. God Bless You and rest easy Highwayman

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol- Ret.

December 8, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

December 8, 2004

God bless you sir. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York

April 26, 2004