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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Milford Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Harry is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Harry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harry is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 2 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harry was 28. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42.
Harry was 28. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Harry was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 10.6% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Fridays: 12.1%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Milford Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Milford Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Harry among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Milford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
