The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
“The preliminary investigation indicates Sgt. Butler veered off the right side of the roadway, overcompensated, and went off the left side of the roadway then struck a telephone pole,” said Sgt. Ed Tanner, of the sheriff’s office.
Butler County Coroner Lisa Mannix ruled Butler’s death “accidental” on Wednesday and the primary cause of death was “multiple traumatic injuries” related to the car accident.
Butler, 55, lived in Eaton. He had just finished his shift and was on his way home, according to Director of Public Safety Scott Scrimizzi.
“He was an outstanding officer and supervisor who truly cared about his officers and was respected by all. He loved his family more than anything in the world. He was a husband, father and grandfather with a huge heart and a big smile,” Scrimizzi said. “It’s just another reminder of your life changing in the blink of an eye.”
Kristy Collins of the Hamilton Police Department, called Wednesday a “tough day” at police headquarters.
City Manager Joshua Smith said Butler’s untimely death was a “huge loss.”
“Sgt. Butler, by all accounts, was a tremendous police officer, but more importantly, a great family man,” Smith said. “This is a huge loss to all that knew him. In speaking with Director of Public Safety J. Scott Scrimizzi late last night and very early this morning, his fellow officers are taking the news very hard.”
Hamilton Police Chief Craig Bucheit echoed Smith’s words.
“Jerry was known as a family man and a great officer who was well liked, admired, and respected by his fellow officers. Our focus now is helping his family and those who were closest to him through this very difficult time,” Bucheit said.
He added that Butler’s desk was filled with pictures of family members including his kids and grandchildren.
“Jerry Butler touched a lot of lives and made a difference,” Bucheit said. “He was just a good guy. He’s going to be deeply missed.”
Bucheit had to deliver the news to Butler’s wife and kids regarding the accident and called it a very gut-wrenching and emotional moment.
“We want to make sure that we can help his family the best we can during this tough time,” he said.
Mayor Patrick Moeller added that the loss of an officer is felt not only within the walls of City Hall, but throughout the entire community.
“Sgt. Butler was good man and a law enforcement professional. His dedication to Hamilton citizens and fellow police officers will be missed. The City family is praying for he and his family,” he said.
The police department and many of the area churches have been working together in recent years to help build stronger bonds. The loss of Sgt. Butler brought about thoughts of prayer and healing from clergy.
“On behalf of Truth & Life Community Church we offer our sincerest condolences to the family of Sgt. Gerald “Jerry” Butler,” said Pastor Shaquila Mathews. “We thank him as a community for his many years of service and many accomplishments. Our prayers are with his family and the Hamilton Police Department as they mourn his loss.”
Local NAACP leader the Rev. Dr. Michael Reeves, Jr. said it is traumatic when a life is lost, and that the community will come together in prayer for the family.
“It is always a sad time when a life is lost,” he said. “He was an asset to the HPD and the City of Hamilton. His family will continually be in our prayers throughout this ordeal.”
Effective immediately and until Nov. 21, a 30-day period of mourning is invoked in memory of Butler, according to the Hamilton Police Department.
Butler was appointed to the Hamilton Police Department on Nov. 28, 1994, at the age of 34. He was promoted to detective on April 1, 2006, and to his current position of sergeant on Jan. 30, 2010.
During his career, he served as a DARE officer, VICE detective, Investigations detective, and finally as a patrol shift sergeant.
Butler, who was a shift commander, was also active in dealing with Hamilton City Schools students.
Joni Copas, director of communications for the Hamilton City School District, called the fallen officer a priceless mentor for many students.
“Officer Butler was a DARE officer in our elementary schools about 20 years ago,” Copas said. “He was well liked and respected by our students. He had a calming effect as he taught our students about the negative impact of drug abuse.”
The Hamilton Police Department is working with Butler’s family to finalize arrangements and will release those details as they become available.
About the Author