Brother Henry P. “Butch” Himpler III
On June 21, 2024, Brother Butch Himpler passed away. He was 64.
Family and friends may gather for visitation at Bruzdzinski Funeral Home, 1407 Old Eastern Avenue, Essex, Maryland 21221, on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
A memorial service will then be held starting at 4:00 PM.
A private cremation was held.
Please keep Butch’s family in your prayers.
See the below message from the Police Department:
The Department regrets to announce the passing of retired POFC Henry “Butch” P. Himpler III #2642 on June 21, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.
Born on November 2, 1959, to the late Henry and Margaret Himpler, Butch entered this world with a boom, much like the voice that this department would later come to know and love. After graduating from Rogers High School in Newport, Rhode Island, on June 9, 1977, Butch planted new roots in Maryland.
On October 31, 1981, he joined the Baltimore County Police Department and graduated from the 61st Academy Class in April of 1982. It’s often said that some individuals have an aura that immediately assures you of their good character, and Butch epitomized this from your first encounter. Like all new graduates, Himpler began his career in patrol and was assigned to the Essex precinct, where his knack for teaching began to shine. While working in Essex, Butch would routinely speak and give presentations to various middle and high schools. He was commended time and again for his natural ability to connect and empathize with students who otherwise disliked law enforcement, instantly changing their preconceived notions for the better.
In March of 1987, Butch submitted a transfer request to the Training Section, citing his reason as, “To be a part of the most important educational process involved in policing for new and present members.” Recognizing his knack for instruction, his request was quickly approved, and he began his notable instructional career with the Training Section on April 20, 1987. Starting out in the Recruit Training Unit, Butch was the primary instructor in Juvenile Law, driver rehabilitation, and recruit-level EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operation Course) at the former Gray Manor Training Academy. His one-of-a-kind boisterous voice and unique ability to find humor in everything was a gift that made lasting impressions and kept the attention of every class he taught, no matter the subject. Affectionately known as a gentle giant, Henry’s imposing stature was matched only by his kind heart, warm spirit, and unforgettable voice.
As a long-time member of the Hostage Negotiations Team, Butch utilized both his instructional training and expertise in crisis negotiations to train and present for countless other law enforcement agencies. His presentations on crisis negotiations, Use of Force, Officer Survival, and many other topics were so well received that requests for his participation extended throughout his entire career. He received numerous accolades and recognitions, of which one should be proud.
In 1991, Butch switched gears and began Firearms Instruction at the Range. He was at the center of the 9mm conversion training and quickly became known as the “Range’s Armorer-in-Charge.” Many claim that Butch made a challenging day at the range easier with his ear-to-ear smile, booming voice, and hearty laugh. Officer Himpler retired on May 1, 2015, after nearly 34 years of service. Butch Himpler genuinely loved inspiring, teaching, and coaching his colleagues and community, as he was a trusted source of reliability and knowledge. Butch was a man who would do anything for anybody to help them succeed.
Officer Butch Himpler leaves behind a legacy of laughter, learning, and love, which his police family will appreciate and carry with them forever. He truly lived up to his reason for requesting a transfer to the Training Section, leaving an indelible mark with the training section, and all who had the pleasure of being taught by a legend.
Family and friends will gather to honor his life on Saturday, July 13th, from 1 to 4 pm, with a prayer service beginning at 4:00 pm, at the Brudzynski Funeral Home, 1407 Old Eastern Ave., Essex, MD 21221. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BARCS in Butch’s name.
As a man who loved a good game of golf and a cigar, rest assured he is now entertaining the heavens with his infectious laugh, a cigar in one hand, and a club in the other.
The Department extends its deepest condolences to the family of Officer Henry ‘Butch’ P. Himpler III.
