Roll of Honor
Incident
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.
Survivors
Officer Butler was survived by his wife and three young children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-2B957DE4- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Butler served with the Milford Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Milford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Butler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrol Officer Harry W. Butler is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 11.8 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Milford Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Harry W. Butler's cause is highlighted.
How Harry W. Butler Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harry W. Butler is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harry W. Butler was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Milford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
