[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 13420]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE OF MICHIGAN STATE POLICE TROOPER PAUL BUTTERFIELD

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Benishek) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to honor the 
life of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield, who was 
tragically killed in the line of duty on September 9, 2013. Trooper 
Butterfield was an Army veteran who bravely served his community as a 
State police officer since 1999. He served at the Michigan State Police 
post in Manistee and in Hart.
  Like all of our law enforcement officers, Paul risked everything to 
ensure our communities and neighborhoods were safe. He gave his life to 
protect us. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Sadly, 
northern Michigan has lost a true hero.
  To Trooper Butterfield's family, I am aware no words will ever match 
your deep sorrow. A loss this great can only be eased by the grace that 
is beyond all worldly powers. But I am hopeful that you will be 
embraced by the angels of Heaven and comforted by the knowledge that 
Paul is safely in the hands of God.
  On behalf of the citizens of Michigan's First District, I thank 
Trooper Butterfield for his service and tremendous sacrifice to 
Michigan and our Nation.
  I yield to my friend and colleague from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga).
  Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Thank you, Dr. Benishek.
  As was said, Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, Michigan lost a true 
hero. Trooper Paul Butterfield died from a gunshot wound that he 
sustained while conducting a ``routine'' traffic stop in Mason County 
on September 9.
  This senseless act of violence will no doubt shake communities 
throughout northwest Michigan as we wonder why this heartbreaking event 
ever took place, how it happened in Mason County, and how we make sure 
it never happens again. Trooper Butterfield's response to the situation 
has been described by the Michigan State Police as ``perfect'' and that 
he ``did everything right.''
  This tragic loss of life serves as an ever-present reminder that 
there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop for police officers. 
And on this special day, September 11, we want to thank all of our 
first responders for the work that they do.
  We must never forget or take for granted the work of the men and 
women who put their lives on the line for us every day as they protect 
our kids, our communities, and our country.
  Paul, you will not be forgotten by me, the people of the Second 
District, or throughout Michigan. Again, my heart goes out to Trooper 
Butterfield's family, his fiancee, his friends, and his colleagues from 
the State police post in Hart as well as the State police post in 
Manistee.
  Natalie and I and our family will keep you all in our prayers during 
this time of extraordinary need. And we just want to say to you: Paul, 
rest well, our friend. Rest well.

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