Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Erik David Hite

Tucson Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Monday, June 2, 2008

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Erik David Hite

I was assigned to your bedside after you were wounded. I was present at your funeral. I wish our department could have done more for you and and your family. TPD will never forget your ultimate sacrifice. God bless!

Ofc. L.G.
Tucson PD

April 16, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 4th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 15, 2012

Hi, Erik. It doesn't seem like it's been four years since you went to be with the Lord. So many changes and struggles since then. The big change was my reassignment to Judicial Security at Pima County Superior Court. I'm the monitor, so I think it's fitting that I work the courthouse cameras, still watching everything that goes on, like you used to kid me about when you first saw me at the main jail front desk:"Your eyes were everywhere." It was heartbreaking to see Nohemy and Pastor Neil Watson come to the court hearings, and be filled with rage when I would see your killer sitting at the defense table. On Memorial Day last week, I finally was able to go to the memorial set up on the street you were ambushed on and I left a "God Bless America" button under your plaque. The day before, this MSNBC host named Chris Hayes had mentioned that he felt uncomfortable using the word "hero" because he felt it was a justification for more war. I wrote a very pointed email to Mr. Hayes about that comment, which is to be expected from someone that has never served in the military. Towards the end of that email, I mentioned you specifically as a defintion of a hero. You wore the uniform of law enforcement and retired honorably from the U.S. Air Force. You attempted to stop a rampage and sacrificed your life for it. No residents in that neighborhood were hurt that day. For all the words that have been said or written about you, Erik, the plaque sums it up in five words: Erik Hite: A True Hero. Rest in peace, my friend, and will see you one day in the sky with the Lord.

PSSS Casey P. Jennings
Pima County Sheriff's Office Judicial Security Unit-Tucson, AZ

June 3, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 1, 2012

Sorry for your loss

Lt. Jonathan S. Suddeth
American Security

May 25, 2012

So sorry for your loss GOD bless you all.

nancy
NYPD widow

February 20, 2012

That is horrible. I am so sorry for the loss. Is their a motive? I listed additional suspects on your facebook page.

Susan Christine Knisely BSN RN
iGeometric Media Group

February 19, 2012

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
-David L. Bell

Deputy Jody Boerner
Cleburne County Sheriff's Office

February 19, 2012

Erik,
I still think about you and the way you'd say "How you doin today big guy?" And genuinely be interested in hearing me grunt or complain. I miss you and I wanted to say I have not forgotten now or ever. And by the way, I still have the bike that nearly took off my foot on our ride to Bisbee.

Ofc. A. Elliot
Seattle Police Department

June 22, 2011

Erik was a cops' cop and all of us will all keep him in our hearts for as long as we live.
Sgt. Steve Belda

Sgt. Steve Belda
Tucson Police Dept.

January 8, 2011

You are still our brother, our family, our friend. Time passes and we are well aware you should have the same or more of a right to spend it with your family, friends, cops -brothers and sisters. You trained one of us -alesson I'll never forget. You worked about the same years as another. You are a brother -God is the Father. Our Father. We tell him bring us home should we have one unfortunate shift -should He do so, I'll meet you in Heaven. Until then, we have not forgotten.... you, your family, yur sacrifice. God bless. Rest in the peace that your family is ours as well and you were taken in a way that makes you a hero -a way I owe you my utmost respect.
All our love,
Eric and Lynsey

Eric and Lynsey Coutts
Tucson Police Department

August 10, 2010

Eric, you and I never met, but the day you left us is a day I will never forget. I pray for your family and strive to be as good a cop as you were. It is hard to believe it has been two years, it seems like just yesterday. Know that you are missed and I will get to meet you someday.

Brian
Deputy Sheriff

June 4, 2010

You are not forgotten and never will be. It has been two years, but it still seems like yesterday. You and your family are in my prayers each and every day. Rest in peace and I'll see you on the other side someday.

RJM /Police Officer
Tucson PD

June 3, 2010

Erik, I miss you cuz. I remember the days on the ranch good and bad, we had fun playing in the snow , goofing on the ranch and hunting together. I'm sorry we never got the chance to jump on those Harleys and ride. I'll catch you in heaven and we can ride up there brother until then you will always be in my thoughts. RJ

Randall Morreira Jr.
Cousin and Friend

February 24, 2010

RIP You will never be forgotten.

H. Doughty
Pima County Sheriffs Dept Dispatcher

September 29, 2009

Erik, you were a tremendous FTO and a better person! I miss you tremendously and fondly remember the calls we went on together...
RIP!

TPD Officer
Tucson PD

July 15, 2009

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your story of heroism will be shared amongst Officers for years to come. We will continue to honor you and your family as long as I am a member of this Police Department. We miss you brother.

Officer
Tucson Police

June 4, 2009

May you rest in peace and may your family be held in the healing heart of The Lord. God bless all police officers.

Anonymous

June 4, 2009

I just wanted to let your family and friends know that there are many out here who know the pain that you feel today. My brother Roger was killed 4 years ago today on June 2nd. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many folks who care. I pray that God will bless you with many precious happy memories to help fill your heart "especially today".

Judy Coleman
Sister of Roger Lynch

June 3, 2009

It's been one year today and we have not forgotten your sacrifice. Thank you for all you did!

Anonymous

June 2, 2009

OFFICER HITE, ITS JUNE 2, 2009. A LONG YEAR HAS GONE BY WITHOUT YOU, YOUR NOT FORGOTTEN, WE ALL MISS YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!

C. HERNANDEZ

June 2, 2009

To Officer Erik David Hite, his family and his fellow officers with the Tucson Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Hite’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Hite and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

June 2, 2009

It's been nearly a year and we have not and will not forget everything you've done. Rest in peace my friend gone but surely not forgotten.......

Detective J. Ferrell
Salt River P.D, friend atended Police academy together

May 31, 2009

Erik, it was a great honor and privilidge to attend the National Police Officer Memorial Services in Washington, D.C this past week. We went to honor you, show respect to Nohemy, Samantha, your extended family, and to remember all that have fallen. You will never ne forgoten. Know that your department represented you with the utmost in professionalism and pride. Rest in peace our brother and friend.

- The TPD Contingent at the 2009 Police Week Ceremonies

Fellow TPD Officers
Tucson Police Department

May 17, 2009

I would like to take a moment, during this,
National Police Week, to Thank You for your service
to this beautiful state in which you protected "us".

As you soar through the Heavens above, may your family/friends and brothers have peace in their hearts.

Officer Erik David Hite, I HONOR and I SALUTE YOU!
+Rest In Peace+

Lisa Gagliano
Az Resident

May 17, 2009

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