Thousands of mourners and law enforcement officers gathered Wednesday in Hillsdale to attend the funeral of Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Deputy William H. “Bill” Butler, Jr.

Hillsdale Sheriff’s Captain Kevin Bradley said Butler, who served for 20 years in the U.S. National Guard before his 12year career at the department, was wellrespected within the department and the community.

“He was the model deputy. I couldn't ask for anything more from any deputy that we’ve ever hired,” he said.

“We'll never be the same. We can’t,” Bradley said. “But I truly believe tragedies like this make an office stronger as well as the community coming together.”

More than 2,500 law enforcement officers from around the state and nation gathered outside Christ Chapel on the Hillsdale College campus before taking part in a procession through the city’s downtown to Lakeside Cemetery, where Butler was interred with military honors including a 21gun salute and a helicopter flyover.

“I've been doing it 23 years and never experienced anything like this. It's amazing to me,” Butler said. “Deputy Butler may be gone, but his legacy will never be forgotten.”

Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com