Retiring law enforcement veteran to be honored at two upcoming events
BATTLE GROUND — After a 40-year career in law enforcement, Battle Ground Police Lt. Roy Butler is retiring.
Two upcoming public events are scheduled to honor and recognize his service — a formal ceremony at the Tue., Jan. 16 Battle Ground City Council meeting and a Jan. 26 reception at the Battle Ground Police Department.
LT, as he his referred to by many, was hired as lieutenant for the Battle Ground Police Department in 1993. The city’s population was just over 4,000 and the department consisted of the chief, LT, and six police officers.
Many programs were implemented during Lt. Butler’s tenure — the Detective Unit, the K9 Unit, the Motorcycle Unit, and the Regional SWAT program. Lt. Butler has contributed to many of the department’s technological advances.
In 1997 the department implemented its first mobile data system, providing officers the ability have access to vital information in the field. Prior to mobile data access, officers had to place a phone call to office staff to obtain the information they needed. He oversaw the conversion of the department’s communications systems from analog to digital and most recently, a new records management system, a complex system critically important to every aspect of the police department. He also planned for when technology might fail; in 1999 he worked to develop the Y2K Disaster Readiness Plan.
In 2007, Lt. Butler attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, a 10-week professional course of study for law enforcement managers.
Prior to serving the Battle Ground community, Lt. Butler worked 15 years for the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served from 1971-1975.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend events recognizing Lt. Butler’s years of dedicated service. He will be formally recognized at the Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Battle Ground City Council meeting located at Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW 1st Street.
On Fri., Jan. 26, a reception in his honor will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the Battle Ground Police Department located at 507 SW 1st Street.
Information provided by the City of Battle Ground.
