Perhaps his major roles on radio were those of crime-lab expert Lee Jones (as well as many supporting characters) in Dragnet, and The Commissioner in Dangerous Assignment.[2]
Butterfield's limited activity on television included reprising his roles of Clarence Wellman in The Halls of Ivy[5] and The Commissioner in Dangerous Assignment. He appeared in many episodes of the TV version of Dragnet and in a episode of Colgate Theatre. He also appeared as kindly old man in “Father Knows Best” in season 3 episode 6. He also had roles in a few movies, including The House on Telegraph Hill and Shield for Murder.