Former Cumberland County Sheriff Butch Burgess is fighting a battle like none he ever encountered in his law enforcement career.  He has had surgical procedures and undergone treatments for several months now for cancer that is taking its toll quickly.  We ask the community to keep Butch in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time for Butch and his family.   We would like to present Butch with a tribute honoring his service to our county.  Butch served as Cumberland County Sheriff for 16 years.  He was elected to four terms total.  Before his career in law enforcement he served as director of the Cumberland County Boys Club.  Butch Burgess has served our youth for decades in the county as well as showing his adoration through the years for thousands of other children including raising, along with his wife Vickie, over 50 foster children. Matter of fact, Butch always had the same answer for almost any personal question: “Well, I just do what Vickie tells me”

He was responsible for the creation of the House of Hope  – a temporary safe haven for young children who are removed from meth households and other dangerous environments. The House of Hope has served as a model for similar facilities throughout the United States and has been featured on national network television. National Exchange Club President Don Wright said of Butch ““When you have people like that, who serve from the heart, and have a passion and commitment like Butch, things get done.”  Wright continued, “You (Butch) don’t know how many hearts you’ve touched and how many lives have been changed.”

We would like to pay tribute to former Sheriff Butch Burgess by getting comments from the community thanking him for his service throughout the years.  We will print this article, complete with comments, and present to Butch showing him the community has appreciated his many contributions and service for many years.  You are welcome to make comments or just type your name in the comment section of the CNF Facebook page.  We thank you Mr. Burgess for all you have done for our community.  Yes, one man can make a difference – Butch proved it.