During the Annual District 7 Officers Of The Year Luncheon, Thursday, February 25, 2010, Police Officer Micheal Butler was presented a Proclamation from United States Representative Wm. Lacy Clay recognizing him for his ability to serve District 7 of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and naming February 25, 2010 “Police Officer Michael Butler Day”in the First Congressional District of Missouri.

Police work is about being involved, it’s about being responsive, it’s about helping people…those words describe Police Officer Michael Butler who serves as the 7^th District Problem Property Officer.

The nomination was made by one of Officer Butler’s coworkers after noticing the proficiency Officer Butler displayed while dealing with problem properties is the 7^th District.

Officer Butler’s work ethic sets a shining example for the Officers of the 7^th District.  During 2009, there were 972 nuisance summons issued citywide.  Officer Butler issued 485 that’s 50% of the total….he leads the city in active cases, nuisance notices and hearings.

What numbers don’t tell you and can’t tell you is how big of a heart Officer Butler has, each year he works to provide students at Ford Elementary School with new bikes for academic achievements this year he was featured with Mike Bush from KSDK for the over 50 bikes he presented to the students….and at the holidays, Officer Butler donates his personal time and solicits food donations from local businesses to make sure over 100 families have a very special Christmas dinner.

Officer Butler is a veteran Officer with over 22 years of experience with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and sets a positive example for all Officers.

During the month of May, Officers Steven Ortbals and Brian North-Murphy arrested 10 individuals resulting in the issuance of 12 felony warrants issued and 5 misdemeanors.  The charges included Tampering 1^st 3 counts, Resisting Arrest (F) 2 counts, Statutory Rape 3 counts (Capias), VMCSL Poss (F) 2 counts, Assault 2^nd, UUW/CCW Federal Prosecution, Misdemeanor Assault 3^rd, and Tampering 2^nd.

The arrest included five subjects operating two stolen trucks.  Officers responded to a call for Shots Fired and developed information from citizens that two stolen trucks were chasing each other in the area and being operated in a very dangerous manner, endangering public welfare.  Officers Ortbals and North-Murphy were able to locate both trucks.  And you’re not going to believe this — both trucks collided with each other trying to elude officers.  All five occupants exited both vehicles and fled the scene.  The Officers’ diligence and dedication to duty resulted in the apprehension of all five subjects and warrants were issued on all five.  One of the subjects was also wanted for stealing a department bait vehicle earlier in the month.

Another arrest was for a subject armed with a .25 semi automatic pistol and a significant amount of Marijuana.  Officers responded to call for a “Shooting”.  After interviewing the victim and noting several inconsistencies in his statement, the Officers discovered a firearm and drugs the suspect had attempted to conceal. A federal charge for a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm was issued.

All the officers in the Seventh District do such good work every day.  Sometimes it’s not just about a single arrest.  But it’s about consistency and continually fighting the good fight.