About Erik


Erik David Hite born in Susanville, CA on March 14, 1965.

End of Watch: Monday, June 2, 2008.

Family: Wife: Nohemy Hite, Children: Roy D. Hite and Samantha N. Hite
Parents: Roy D. and Mary Jane Hite
Siblings: Roylene, Sean and Nevada
He is loved and remembered by many other relatives in California, Texas, Honduras, many friends, and his brothers and sisters in law enforcement around the world.


Served our country 21 years in the Air Force (August 2, 1983-March 31, 2004)

  • Basic training made in Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX.
  • First oversees assignment, Howard Air Force Base, Panama from 1984-1988.
  • Return to U.S., Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota from 1989-1992.
  • Second oversees assignment, Kaiserslautern Air Force Base, Germany from 1993-1998.
  • Traveled to Soto Cano Air Force Base, Honduras from 1999-2000.
  • Return to U.S., Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, AZ from 2000-Present. Here he cross-trained from Security Forces to First Sergeant duties.

He retired on Jan 16, 2004; his last assignment being in the Weather Squadron at this same base.

Hired by the Tucson Police Department to serve our community (Feb 12, 2004-June 2, 2008) Badge # 46584

  • Commissioned as a Tucson Police Officer on July 11, 2004 and assigned to Operation Division East. Early evaluations read that he was professional, mature, with excellent skills as a Spanish speaker and decision-maker. Over the years, his verbal skills and ability to serenely deal with citizens has been commented by many who worked with him.
  • Another supervisor indicated he was always cheerful and happy working and assigned to Sector Eight on the southeast side of Tucson working the Rita Ranch area.
  • Received recognition in August 2005 for dealing with a methamphetamine concern at an apartment complex.
  • Attended the 40-hour Crisis Intervention School in March 2006, and later used this training to help a barricaded suicidal woman surrender and seek treatment. He also received a letter of appreciation from a woman whom he assisted after her husband committed suicide.
  • Located a vehicle that had been observed chasing another vehicle. Upon arrest, the two occupants turned out to have $150,000 in cash, 250 pounds of marijuana and several weapons.
  • In 2006 alone, Erik made 700 arrests - more than double the departmental average, and often led his squad in all statistics.
  • Recognized by Assistant Chief John Leavitt on January 2007 for being one of the top ten traffic enforcement personnel of the Field Services Bureau.
  • Became Police Instructor in August 2007, after graduating the Instructor Course. He immediately volunteered as a role player at the Academy to assist new police recruits with their training.
  • Was handpicked by his division commander for traffic assignments, and was recognized for his exemplary performance.
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Park University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He continued his education by seeking an additional Criminal Justice Degree; all while working full time and off-duty as a Police Officer.
  • A fellow TPD Officer said: "Erik would be considered a hard charger, a leader, and a Cop's Cop. He was an officer you knew would be there if you needed help and if he was backing you up, you knew everything would be okay and that he was looking out for you."



His hobbies: Reading, motorcycle riding, weightlifting, rebuilding a 1957 Chevy pick up, and last but not least, outdoor recreation with his family.

His beliefs: From childhood, Erik intended to serve the public good, and he did exactly that in both in the Air Force and the Tucson Police Department. He did so with distinction and uncompromised honor. He lived his life fully, with great physical energy, and with the power of his convictions. He was a good man, a model airman and a cop's cop. He did some good, every shift - on duty and at home. Erik had complete faith in God. His first experience with the Lord was at the tender age of 7, when he and his family watched their big female dog have puppies. The first 3 were born dead, and he desired a puppy so much that he ran to the back of his house and prayed to God that at least one of the puppies be born alive for him to keep. God answered his prayer, and only one puppy was born alive out of 7. Throughout his life, many trial and tribulations came and went, but he was remained faithful and steadfast to the Lord. Erik favored the 23rd Psalms and was a devoted member of his church. He, along with his family, was involved in many church activities, including a young, married couple's bible study they led at their home.

On June 2nd, 2008 Officer Erik Hite succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day by a suspect who had wounded a Pima County Sheriff's Department deputy.

The suspect had fired a rifle into the homes of two neighbors and then fled as the first responding deputy arrived at the location. As the deputy pursued him, the suspect opened fire and wounded him.

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The Erik Hite Foundation can only achieve it's goals with the assistance of generous donations from members of our community. Without these donations, serving these families would not be possible.