Patrick Kent Hardesty served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years and 2 months. Patrick served during the years of the Cold War, Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism.
Officer Patrick Hardesty was shot and killed while investigating a hit-and-run traffic accident at the intersection of Fort Lowell Road and Park Avenue.
Shortly after arriving at the scene, Officer Hardesty located a suspect, and a struggle ensued in which Officer Hardesty was shot five times and fatally wounded. Officer Hardesty was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Responding officers apprehended the suspect after a short foot pursuit. The suspect, who had a criminal record, was found guilty of first-degree murder on February 25th, 2005, and was sentenced to death on March 10th, 2005. In December 2023, he was taken off death row and will have a new resentencing hearing.
Officer Hardesty was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served with the Tucson Police Department as a reserve officer for 11 years and as a full-time officer for 19 months. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, two sisters, and a brother. His grandfather and brother had also served as law enforcement officers.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Officer Hardesty gave the Tucson Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tucson community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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