Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Somebody mentioned Yreka yesterday and I thought of Bo. Bo and his brother were in my Butte police academy class back in 1976. He had a 68' Corvette like mine and we use to race to the the academy from our hotel in Oroville. I think we were both around 21 or 22 yrs old. Great sense of humor, easy going, and all around nice guy. I drove up there for his funeral so long ago but I still have him in my memory. God Bless our officers and bless Bo.

Glen Russell, STO retired
CHP, Dixon PD, Solano Sheriff, Mtn View PD

August 29, 2023

Bo and i were good friends in elementary sand Jr high school
We were walking together at Wilshire Jr High- when the news of JFK
echoed through the hall.

His mom was our den mother in Cub Scouts

Years later - I was shocked when this tragedy happened.
Anyone who knew him thought the world of him,

I remember his younger brothers nick name was "Tiny"
he called Joe "Bo Bo"

james david gronwall

August 1, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 17, 2020

I was 12 years old and signed up for the fan club at the race track and rode with Bo that night. I still have the pictures of me and Bo and me wearing my Montague baseball all stars hat. the next night my dad was called out to help with this call as he worked for the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department. My dad came home the next day covered in blood and told me Bo was shot and killed. Who would've thought I would end up working at the Yreka Police Department part time in 1992 and full time in 1994. Now a Sergeant for YPD I think about Bo everyday. We all need to stay safe and help each other go home every night. Bo had an impact on my life and I'm proud to still be at YPD. Haven given speeches at the Bo Hittson Memorial race with now Lt. Frost from the SCSO I'm honored to have known Bo and try to fill his shoes at YPD.

Sgt. Ray Boutin
Yreka Police Department

December 4, 2019

Just thinking about Bo today for some reason. It has been a long time. Met Bo and his brother at the Butte Police Academy back in 1976 or so. We had a great time there. Both of us had Corvettes and we use to race from the hotel in Oroville to Butte College. Real nice guy. I went to the funeral shortly after, maybe a year or two after we graduated. God bless you my friend.

Glen Russell, Traffic Officer, retired
CHP, then Dixon PD

December 13, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 40th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 17, 2018

I met officer Hittson from the other side. As a young messed up punk kid Bo chased me down a alley one night in 1973 and I almost got away. While waiting for his partner to find us we talked, both out of breath. I will never forget his question "what the blank is your problem kid". Those words had a lot to do with me finding my way back to being what I am now. Never got to say think you, so I say it now.

Walter Malena
Supervisory Dispatcher

March 25, 2015

I was a small boy when I went to the yreka race tracks. I always went for the ok car or #12 . I lived on south st. The night Bo was shot and for some reason I've never forgotten his car or his name.

Dimitri John Kafantaris
n/a

March 2, 2015

First time I have read all these wonderful thoughts about 'BO';Coming up this next month in July it will be 36 years since our loss of him; but I have never spent a day without him! He was my oldest brother, my best friend, my dearest guardian, and truly a terrific 'guy', his quality of life did imprint on many of us; I Thank God for the time we all spent with him, just wishing my children had time with him here; but they know him through everyone's love expressed! I had a beautiful experience the day he had died! The day before the shooting occurred, Bo and I sat on his porch chatting about some difficulties; it was hot and humid in Yreka on South Street. Bo comforted me by giving me a big hug; he didn't have a shirt on and he smelled awful! Ha, but the hug was well worth it! So, the morning my brother 'Tiny' had to tell my Mom and I we had lost him, I ran out to the horses and sat on a rock and cried with the deepest sense of loss I had ever experienced! Then my shoulders became damp and I could smell my brother holding me just as he had the day before! He never left me! Thank You for all your kind thoughts and words.........Terry Hittson Lynnes

Relative
Sister

June 28, 2014

Jesse “Bo” Hittson 1950-1978
Growing up in the small town of Montague in the 60’s and 70’s had its perks and some downsides. It was normal to walk to school, even at a young age. I attended Montague elementary School and went to Yreka High School. I received my first ticket from then Officer Don Callahan and my second one too. Hanging out and having fun was the norm. I lacked direction and was not too concerned about my future, my mother can testify to that. In 1978 I was cooking at a local restaurant and working at the local Mobil Station. I attended races on the weekends and even got interested in racing after seeing locals, John Arnberg, Rollie Ellsie, Bo Hittson, Dave McCabe, and others. I recall a young officer that pulled me over after I cut a corner in Yreka right in front of a patrol car. As the officer got out he forgot to put the vehicle in park and his car ended up against the rear of my truck. No damage, a stern warning and a little nervous laugh. The Officer was Bo Hittson. That summer was hot and I was running at the track in a hobby class, 1956 Chevrolet with a 307 engine, a former B main stock car. My pit crew were friends, Kevin Barba and Rob Raffaelli. We usually finished 3rd or fourth and there was always frontend damage. The carburetor was always causing us grief. One night we were set not to race and Bo let us borrow a carburetor which was awesome due to the fact that he was racing in a higher more experienced class. He always took the time to talk to us and give us pointers. Of course we did have to give it back. On race night around the 15th of July, 1978 I won my one and only race in the hobby class and Bo Hittson won the A main event. In the early hours of July 17th 1978 I woke up to sirens and turned on a scanner and listened to the events that were coming across the radio. I knew an officer had been shot and later found out it was Bo Hittson. I was 20 years old at the time and it eventually shaped my future. I have had a long career in law enforcement and emergency medicine which I owe to Officer Jesse Joe ( Bo) Hittson who was killed in the line of Duty on July 17th 1978. Bo Hittson was a good man, race car driver, a giver to the community, a good police officer, and even if he did not know it, a friend in me for life. I will never forget his sacrifice or the sacrifice of others who died in the line of duty serving their communities.

Corporal Darrell E. Frost
Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department

July 9, 2012

March 6, 2012

Bo,

I was a year and a half old when this situation unfolded. I know your story well because my father was there. It could have very easily been him. You came from a time when cops weren’t just coworkers, but family.

When my dad speaks of your situation I listen closely. I can honestly see what you meant to him by the sound of his voice and the look in his eye as he speaks. Although I was too young to actually know you, I feel as if I do. Any of the officers could have fallen victim to a bullet that night, some were even scarred, but you alone paid the ultimate price.

I know, deep down inside, if you were granted the opportunity to re-live that night, knowing someone had to pay that ultimate price, and having the ability to choose any one of your brothers to take your place, you would choose you…

I will never forget that story told to me by my dad, a story I will tell my son, and the place I will never pass by without a memory or thought of the night you became a hero.

Sergeant Chris Callahan
Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department

March 7, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Hittson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 23, 2012

RIP my Brother.

Deputy S. Yates
Covinton County Sheriff's Dept. (Mississippi)

July 18, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary 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. Your family has a distinquished history of protecting and serving.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
Mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 17, 2010

Coming up on 32 years now. Almost 20 years since we lost Glenn too. So much time you were cheated out of, so much you both had left to do. I miss you guys and think of you often...

Deputy Forrest Fasig (Ret)
Sonoma County Sheriff's Dept

April 29, 2010

My Brother-In-Law, your death was over 30 years ago now, we still remember what you did, and the ultimate sacrifice that came with it. I Pray your soul has rested easy, I Pray your Family has found peace. God's blessings to those left behind. Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over.......

Sgt. John L Gulledge (Ret)
Escambia Co. Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

March 22, 2009

Its been 30 years and I recall it as if it were yesterday. My heart aches for you and what could have been . I miss your leadership and help you gave me as a teenager. I spent 17 years with Yreka PD and continue with the county today. We are all driven by something or someone. You left a lasting impression on me and I continue your legacy today. I continue to speak of you often. Thank you for your sacrifice to this community. I will never forget you. See you some day.... Darrell

Deputy Darrell Frost
Siskiyou Co S.O.

July 19, 2008

Bo is my brother and will eternally be remembered for his kindness and his dedication to the youth of Yreka, CA. He was the fifth generation of law enforcement officers in the Hittson family, beginning in Palo Pinto, TX and the Texas Rangers. He served his community well, side by side with our brother Glenn Hittson.

Vicki Hittson
Sister

December 25, 2007

"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.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 20, 2007

OFFICER HITTSON, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT.S.C.

September 3, 2007

I remember as a child getting to ride with Bo in his race car at the speedway. Bo was an inspiration to me seeking a career in law enforcment. The impression you left on me will never be forgotten. God Bless

Robert W. Buker
Siskiyou County S.O.

April 14, 2006

Bo was my cousin. Our grandmothers were sisters. I was his babysitter on occasion. I have and will miss you.

Carolyn Powers

Carolyn Powers

March 12, 2006

03/19/04

Each day I read the ODMP. Today I read the story of your death. Every officer who gave his/her life for us need never be forgotton. Rest in peace, sir.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

March 19, 2004

Bo was my nephew. I think of him often. I remember him as a child when he and his family lived near me in Fullerton, CA. I watched him and his two brothers and two sisters many times. He was a great kit.

Carolyn Powers

October 3, 2003