The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award was posthumously awarded to Tucson police officer Erik Hite at last month's 94th Mid-Year Convention of the Arizona Elks Association.
Hite's widow, Nohemy, was at the May 22 ceremony. Assistant Chief Brett Klein of the Tucson Police Department escorted her and gave the acceptance speech.
Tucson East Elks Lodge No. 2532 nominated Hite for the award.
Erik Hite died June 2, 2008 - one day after he was shot during a crosstown chase of a man who had wounded two deputy sheriffs. The suspect, David "Nick" Delich, is undergoing a mental-competency program before he can face trial in the shooting.
The assembly was called to order and stood at attention for a moment of silence in respect for the fallen officer.
Several Elks Lodge No. 2532 members attended the ceremony at the Fiesta Resort in Tempe.
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They included Exalted Ruler George Haines, Leading Knight Mary Schaffer, Loyal Knight Ernie Dole, Lecturing Knight Rocky Davis, Secretary Jane Smale, Past Grand Lodge Exalted Leading Knight Charles Serventi and several other members of the lodge.
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