Heather Bell
RADFORD – The Radford community is mourning the loss of retired Radford City Police Department Deputy Chief and Interim Chief Jonny Butler, who passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at the age of 81.
Butler served in the Radford City Police Department for more than 30 years, from 1971 to 2002.
The Radford City Police Department commented on Butler’s passing, calling him “a driving force within the Radford City Police Department.”
“Today, we honor his service and highlight his remarkable career and dedication to our community,” the department announced last week. “Jonny Butler was hired by the Radford City Police Department on January 1, 1971. He rose through the ranks while making history along the way. Butler was the first officer to serve as a K-9 handler for the City of Radford. He was also instrumental in developing and implementing the traffic accident investigative team, D.A.R.E. program, bicycle patrol, and the School Resource Officer program.”
According to the RCPD, throughout his years of service, Butler served on the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy Board and was a director with the Fraternal Order of Police (New River Valley Lodge #21) for many years. He held the positions of Corporal (1976), Sergeant (1976), Deputy Chief (1987), and Interim Chief of Police (2000), ultimately retiring from the Radford City Police Department as Deputy Chief on Aug. 1, 2002. He was also a graduate of the 121st session of the FBI National Academy, completing the program on June 13, 1980.
“Even after his retirement, Butler remained an important part of the Radford City Police Department,” the department tribute continued. “He continued to serve as a mentor, a friend, and a steady influence, helping keep the community safe and grounded in the core values of law enforcement. Retired Deputy Chief Butler, rest easy, sir. We will take it from here. Your service to this community will never be forgotten.”
Radford Mayor David Horton said Butler was a “wonderful servant leader and an outstanding gentleman.”
According to his obituary, Butler “held a unique place in local history as one of the first male students to attend Radford University. Born July 18, 1944, his life was marked by a profound sense of service, beginning with his time in the U.S. Army. The commitment to his community culminated in a distinguished career with the Radford Police Department where he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief and completed the prestigious FBI National Academy.”
