[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 97 (Thursday, June 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING OFFICER ERIC D. HITE OF TUCSON, ARIZONA, POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2008

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I am honored to acknowledge today the 
exceptional life and public service of Eric D. Hite, an officer with 
the Tucson Police Department who was tragically killed in the line of 
duty on June 1st, 2008.
  Officer Hite was known as ``a cop's cop.'' He was dedicated, loyal 
and brave--everything we expect from a law enforcement officer. He took 
a solemn oath to protect and serve his community. When danger arose on 
the streets of Tucson early that Sunday morning, Officer Hite wasted no 
time in responding. ``Without hesitation, he ran to that call, ran 
towards danger,'' explained Tucson Police Chief Richard Miranda at 
Officer Hite's funeral. ``He gave up his life so that others can live 
free.''
  Officer Hite was 43 years old at the time of his death. He is 
survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents, countless friends and 
colleagues and a grieving community. For four years, Officer Hite 
proudly wore the uniform of the Tucson Police Department. For 21 years 
before joining the department, he served with distinction in the United 
States Air Force. Officer Hite's entire adult life was spent in the 
service of his country and his community and for that we all owe him a 
tremendous debt of gratitude.
  Every day, thousands of men and women like Officer Hite put their 
lives on the line in the name of something bigger than themselves. They 
risk everything for an ideal--the ideal of protecting American freedoms 
and rule of law. The death of Officer Hite is evidence of the ultimate 
sacrifice that can come from that ideal.
  On June 10th, more than 3,000 mourners attended a service to pay 
their respects to Officer Hite. Following the service, thousands more 
lined the streets to salute him as the funeral cortege passed by. 
Befitting how he lived his life, Officer Hite's funeral service was 
attended by law enforcement personnel from every police department in 
Arizona and was filled with touching military and police ceremonies. 
His coffin was carried by colleagues in dress uniforms and an honor 
guard representing every law enforcement agency saluted as he passed. 
There were many moving eulogies but it was his son Roy who best 
captured the life and legacy of Officer Hite: ``He always knew what was 
right--what was the right thing to do, the right thing to say and the 
right way to act.''
  I ask the House of Representatives to join with me in extending 
condolences to the family and friends of Officer Hite and in thanking 
him for his great sacrifice as he courageously carried out his duty to 
protect and serve. His life is an inspiration to us all and he will 
never be forgotten.

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