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 an 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.