Mike Butler is Public Safety Chief for the City of Longmont, Colorado, where he oversees the work of the Fire, Police, Community Health and Resilience, and Dispatch departments. He has long been a leader in the restorative justice movement and was instrumental in founding the Longmont Community Justice Partnership, one of the best programs of its kinf in the country. He also has nitiated several programs to address the mental health needs of his community. The Edge Program pairs mental health professionals with Longmont police to reduce ER visits and jail time. The Angel Program enables people with substance use disorders to relinquish drugs and/or paraphernalia to the Public Safety Center without fear of arrest or legal consequences. Angel volunteers help participants obtain shelter and connect them with treatment providers. Every Sunday, Mike and his volunteer team walk local at-risk neighborhoods to promote safety and link residents with resources. His honors and awards include being named Individual of the Year by Mental Health Colorado.
