Nakahara Named 2025 Public Safety Hero
Congressman Thompson Recognizes Detective Michael Nakahara and Fire Captain Bret Butler
Please join in recognizing Detective Michael Nakahara and Fire Captain Bret Butler as Lake County’s 2025 Public Safety Heroes, honored for their hard work and dedication to the people of Lake County.
On February 18, 2025, Congressman Thompson honored first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in our community.
Detective Michael Nakahara’s commitment to serving Lake County is evident in his relentless pursuit of justice. Raised in Hawai'i, he graduated from Hawai'i Preparatory Academy in 2014 and began his law enforcement career at the San Joaquin Delta College P.O.S.T. Academy. Since joining the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 2021, he has played a key role in high-profile investigations as part of the Major Crimes Unit.
In one of his first major cases, Detective Nakahara investigated the County's first fentanyl homicide in February 2024. Working with Sergeant Jeffrey Mora, he helped secure an arrest for second-degree murder, earning strong support from the Native American community. Beyond his investigative work, Detective Nakahara also mentors aspiring officers as an Explorer Advisor and dedicates over 100 hours volunteering as an assistant coach for the Youth Varsity Kelseyville Chiefs.
In addition to his recent recognition as one of the two 2025 Lake County Public Safety Heroes, Detective Nakahara’s contributions to the community were also acknowledged in December 2024 when he received the Lake County Sheriff's Office Community Service Award and Sheriff's Citation. This recognition as a Public Safety Hero is a testament to Detective Nakahara’s unwavering commitment to justice, mentorship and public service, which continues to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the Lake County community.
Also recognized as Lake County 2025’s Public Safety Heroes was Captain Bret Butler. As a result of his dedication and hard work Captain Butler has risen through the ranks in the Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District to become a steadfast leader, serving as both Fire Captain and the Federal Excess Equipment Program coordinator with CalFire. His bravery was evident during the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire, where he played a crucial role in firefighting efforts and evacuating a Hotshot crew. Known as the unofficial “Mayor” and “Real Estate Agent” of the Rice Fork community, Captain Butler is deeply invested in the well-being of its residents.
Beyond his firefighting responsibilities, Captain Butler has been instrumental in enhancing public safety and emergency response in Lake Pillsbury. He spearheaded the installation of mile marker signs along a 36-mile stretch of road, improving emergency response times and has actively advocated for evacuation route improvements, drone mapping projects and defensible space initiatives, particularly for seniors and veterans. His efforts have also led to the donation of an ambulance and fire engine to the district, as well as the installation of a solar system at Fire Station 2.
Captain Butler’s unwavering dedication to public service, safety and his community makes him an invaluable asset to Lake County. His courage, leadership and commitment to the residents of Lake Pillsbury exemplify the highest ideals of first responders, and it is with deep gratitude that we recognize his outstanding contributions today.
On behalf of the County of Lake, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to both Detective Michael Nakahara and Fire Captain Bret Butler for your dedicated service in protecting the residents of Lake County. Your commitment and hard work make a lasting impact on the community, and we are grateful for all that you do.