We have combined two geocaching series into one with this cache. Each series recognizes the hard work and selfless actions of individuals who exemplify excellence in our community. One is for Officer Erik Hite who lost his life protectiong us, and the other is for Eagle Scout Kyle Kadous who worked diligently to make this memorial a reality. Please take the time to read about both of them.
Fallen Heroes 2 is the only cache of the Fallen Heroes series which qualifies for the "Catalina Council, Cache to Eagle" patch.
This is one of 12 of the "Cache to Eagle" series that are to be placed around the Catalina Council Area. Once you have completed three of the caches in this series you will be able to receive a "Cache to Eagle" patch. Each cache contains the name of one of the points of the Scout Law. To claim your patch, simply email the names of each cache and the Scout Law it contained to Desert GPS at seanas3@cox.net.
Kyle Kadous joined with his father, TPD Seargent Tony Kadous and a neighborhood activist Lori Oien to become the driving forces behind the construction of this memorial. Hundreds of volunteers put in an estimated 3,000 hours of work building it.
Reaching the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America requires years of dedication and hard work. In addition to 21 required merit badges, each Scout must complete a project that — on average — requires 167 service hours. In 2008 alone, that translated to $16 million in service nationally (based on the national volunteer hour value of $19.51).
This cache is part of a nationwide geocaching series called "Cache to Eagle" that showcases these special contributions.
Over its first 100 years, Scouting has provided millions of hours of service to communities across America. For our 100th Anniversary, we’re celebrating that legacy with special service opportunities through "A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference." You can join us, and even earn a commemorative patch! Visit Scouting.org/100years to learn more.
This is the second in a series of three caches dedicated to Tucson Police Officer Erik Hite (Badge Number 46584). March 14, 1965 – June 2, 2008.
Shortly after graduating high school in California, Erik followed his dream of becoming a police officer by enlisting in the Air Force as a Security Policeman. He served his country in that capacity over the next twenty one years, being stationed at Air Force bases around the world. When he retired from the Air Force at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, he joined the Tucson Police Department to continue his dream.
On June 1, 2008 Officer Hite joined in an hour long cross town pursuit of a suspect who had already shot Pima County Deputy Sheriff Eric Cervantez. The suspect made a sudden U-Turn and shot Erik who was still in his patrol car. The pursuit was continued by other officers and the suspect shot Deputy Tory Schwartz before finally giving himself up. The two Deputies recovered, but Erik never regained consciousness and died the following day.
Located just outside the La Mariposa Fitness and Sports Club, this cache is placed to call attention to the Eric Hite Memorial. Once the cache is located, pay a visit to the memorial to the East. The land for this memorial was donated by the owners of La Mariposa, and is open to the public.
The first thing you notice is the wonderfully crafted gate welcoming you inside. Then, as you walk down the path there is a fountain that is painted the same color as his restored Chevy Pickup that he dubbed “Ol’ Blue”.
Notice that the walkway of engraved pavers does not sit square to the memorial. It is off set by 22 degrees. If you follow that walkway in a straight line it will lead you a half mile away were officer Hite was shot (Fallen Heroes 1).
On the East side of that walk way, there is a 21 foot long bench that represents his 21 years of military service. 
On the West side of the walkway there are two intersection walls, that when viewed from the air, form a cross. This represents Erik’s faith in God. The top of the cross is 4 feet long, representing his four years of service with Tucson Police Department. The intersecting wall is 43 inches tall representing his 43 years of personal growth.
The missing paver is engraved with his name and has been sent to the 569th U.S. Forces Police Flight in Germany where he served with Eddie Schaeffer, the designer of this memorial. It will be on display there in a place of honor.
There are two benches inscribed with the names of the Deputies who were also shot that day.
Special recognition should also be given to Lori Oien of the Bear Canyon Home Owners Association and Boy Scout Troop 250 member Kyle Kadous who were the driving forces behind getting this memorial built. There are many others who deserve recognition, but so many in the community helped with this project that listing them here would be too lengthy.
While hunting these three caches, please take some time to contemplate the sacrifices police officers make daily on our behalf. Also, take some time to pray for Erik Hite and the family he left behind.
And don’t forget to thank a police officer for the work they do.
Visit the other Fallen Heroes geocaches:
Fallen Heroes 1
Fallen Heroes 2
Fallen Heroes 3
Fallen Heroes 4
Fallen Heroes 5
Fallen Heroes 6
Fallen Heroes 7
Fallen Heroes 8
Fallen Heroes 9