[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 12509-12510] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING OFFICER ERIK 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 Erik 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 [[Page 12510]] 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. ____________________