The Tucson Police Department honored eight officers who have died in the line of duty at their Annual Fallen Officers Memorial.
Memorial for 8 fallen Tucson officers pic.twitter.com/cm2coFC4sk
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) May 11, 2017
Since 1892, the department has lost eight police officers.
Police Chief, Chris Magnus says the memorial is to "take some time and remember."
Memorial of 8 Tucson Police officers killed over the years of protecting and serving. pic.twitter.com/mSntMcVPdE
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) May 11, 2017
Nohemy Hite remembers the dreadful Sunday in 2008 when her husband, Erik Hite didn’t come back home. Nite was the last officer the City of Tucson has laid to rest.
Every year since the death of her husband, Mrs. Hite says the memorial provides some healing for her and her family.
"The memories come back and there's nothing we can do about it. They're in our memory forever," says Hite.
The fellow brothers and sisters in blue stood in solidarity Wednesday night to remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect and serve the community of Tucson.
"This is significant and it's important that we both honor and celebrate their contributions," says Tucson Police Chief, Chris Magnus.
While their hasn't been an officer death since 2008, Chief Magnus says being a police officer is a hard job.
Magnus says their have been other very close calls where officers could have "lost their lives." Continuing to give credit to the training officers receive.
"We do our best to train our officers to be as prepared as possible and provide them with good supervision and support."
Giving thanks to every person who still commits their lives to protect and serve.
To support the Erik Hite foundation, click here.
