Related: Attorney says Tucson shooting suspect has mental issues

Courtesy of Tucson Police Department

Hite

Tucson Police Chief Richard Maranda said, “You have an individual who gave up his life for his community, and we have to honor that, but we’re going to miss him and I’m just feeling very, very, very bad right now.”  Officer Hite served 21 years in the Air Force before joining TPD. Friends and co-workers say that’s a testament to the kind of person he was, someone who truly wanted to serve the people.

Tucson Police officer Sean Berube said, “I’ve been on a roller coaster of emotions since yesterday. It’s just hard to imagine he’s not here anymore.” Berube has served in the same East side unit as Hite since 2004. “It was an amazing thing to watch him work because he loved his job,” Berube said. “He worked so hard at it and he believed in what he did.”

Appreciation of that dedication and honor adorn the area where Hite was shot in the form of a roadside memorial. It’s just a small sample of the generous outpouring of community support. Chief Maranda said, “I really feel that this community has a great foundation in terms of supporting the Police Department, and I just want to say thank you.”

Investigators still don’t know what led 25-year old David Delich to shoot Hite, two Pima County Sheriff’s Deputies and the homes on the Northwest side that kicked off his shooting rampage. Delich’s attorney Brick Storts, speaking on behalf of his father, said that Delich has a history of mental illness. Storts said, “He (the father) can understand that his son may have had some problems and does have problems, but when something like this happens, you’re never prepared for it.”

Courtesy of Pima County Sheriff's Department

Cervantez

As a sign of respect for Officer Hite, Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup has ordered all flags in Tucson lowered to half staff until Hite’s funeral is held.

Officer Hite wasn’t the only shooting victim on Sunday. Pima County Sheriff’s Deputies Eric Cervantez and Tory Schwartz were both shot and injured during the chase. Both were taken to the hospital for treatment and then were released.

People on Mount Lemmon were praying for Deputy Schwartz who lives in Summerhaven and patrols the area. Sunday was an especially bad day for Schwartz’ family, as at about the same time that he was shot, his mother-in-law died.

Courtesy of Pima County Sheriff's Department

Schwartz

The Tucson Police Officers Association has set up an account where the community can contribute to Officer Hite’s family. He leaves behind his wife Nohemy and their 1-year old daughter Samantha. You can donate by going to any Wells Fargo Bank and saying you want to donate to the Erik Hite Fund.

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