Funeral Services Saturday For Fallen State Trooper

MANISTEE (WWJ) - Gov. Rick Snyder will be among those paying their respects Saturday at the funeral of Michigan State Police Trooper who was killed last Monday in the line of duty,

Tpr. Paul Butterfield, who was stationed at the Hart post, died Monday night after being shot while conducting a traffic stop in Mason County.

The public is invited to attend his funeral at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, in the Manistee High School gym, located at 525 Twelfth St. in Manistee. Visitation starts at 10 a.m.

"The outpouring of support from Michiganders across the state this week has been overwhelming, and it reinforces how much we all appreciate and respect our law enforcement community," Gov. Snyder said, in a statement. "Trooper Butterfield, his family, friends and colleagues are all still very much in our thoughts as we continue to recognize his service and mourn his loss."

According to police, Butterfield stopped a vehicle around 6:20 p.m. Monday on Custer Road near Townline Road. A few moments later, a passing motorist called 911 to report finding Butterfield on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. Butterfield was airlifted to Munson Hospital, where he passed away during emergency surgery.

A short time later, police located and arrested a pair of suspect, a 19-year-old man and his pregnant wife, at a gas station.

Eric Knysz is charged with murdering a peace officer, felony firearm, concealed weapons violation, unlawfully driving away an auto, and being a habitual offender. His 21-year-old wife, Sarah, is charged with being an accessory after the fact and stealing a car.

Tpr. Butterfield joined the state police force in 1999, graduating as a member of the 118th Trooper Recruit School.