Matthew Butcher

Matthew was a US Marine Corps Veteran and an Officer with Kent Police Department where he dedicated 22 years of his life. During his long and honorable career, he received many commendations because he constantly went above and beyond for his community. He once received recognition for saving the lives of a teenage girl and the toddler she was babysitting after an armed intruder broke into a home. On another occasion, he was honored for his swift actions that helped prevent further injury and save the life of a motorist following a fiery traffic crash on Christmas morning. He was a real-life superhero. Matthew received the Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year Award in both 2014 and 2020, and he was just one of only four law enforcement officers to be a trained member of the Portage County Water Rescue Team. Matthew had a big personality and a wonderfully kind heart. He made a lasting impact on many and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Matthew loved motorcycling, hiking, and enjoying the sunshine, but more than anything else, he loved his family.