In the line of duty, thirty Arizona Highway Patrolmen and Department of Public Safety State Troopers have made the ultimate sacrifice. These brave heroes, along with their families and loved ones, remain forever in the hearts and minds of their colleagues, those who follow in their footsteps, and the public they served so valiantly.
Of these thirty fallen troopers, eight were tragically murdered, seventeen lost their lives in traffic-related incidents, two perished in a helicopter crash, one died in a helicopter accident, and one was killed in a train explosion. Each of these losses is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving the community.
Remembering Trooper Tyler J. Edenhofer
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Badge:10449
Trooper Tyler Edenhofer was shot and killed in the line of duty in the late night hours of July 25, 2018. Having graduated from the State Trooper Academy on May 4, 2018, he was finishing his last night of Field Training when calls came in about a man throwing debris at passing vehicles on Interstate 10 near Avondale.
Trooper Edenhofer arrived on the scene with his Field Trainer to assist the responding trooper. A physical altercation ensued between the suspect and the troopers, lasting roughly eight minutes. During the struggle, the suspect managed to obtain one of the troopers’ service weapons and fired two shots. One trooper suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound to his shoulder, while Trooper Edenhofer was fatally shot. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Trooper Edenhofer was pronounced deceased.
Before joining the Arizona Department of Public Safety in September 2017, Trooper Edenhofer served in the Navy. He is remembered as the youngest fallen trooper from DPS.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety Honor Guard stands as a symbol of respect and remembrance, representing our fallen heroes both in Arizona and across the nation. Their commitment ensures that the sacrifices of these troopers are never forgotten, and their legacy continues to inspire and guide those who serve today.