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Monty Wallace of Oro Valley drove to the East Side to show his respect for slain Tucson police Officer Erik Hite.

Standing along the funeral route on Houghton Road, Wallace carried a sign with Hite's photograph and the words "God Bless America, Hero! Officer Hite, God Bless, never forget."

"I just came out to pay my respects," Wallace said. "I wanted to let them know we're supporting them, and let the wife and family know that we care. He gave the ultimate sacrifice."

Wallace was among the thousands Tuesday who braved the heat to stand in solemn tribute to Hite as his funeral procession carried him from Pantano Christian Church to East Lawn Cemetery. Hite was 43 years old when he died.

A few miles from the church, members of the Patriot Guard Riders lined East Speedway on their motorcycles as the procession made its way toward the cemetery.

Jim Dowling said the organization shows support for fallen officers and military members.

"Hite served in the Air Force and on the Tucson Police Department," Dowling said. "It's our honor to come out here and support his family."

Mary Weber of Tucson stayed until the last of hundreds of vehicles and motorcycles in the procession made its way past.

She said her nephew was in the World Trade Center in New York City when the terrorists struck in 2001. Her cousin was in the Pentagon when it also was attacked on Sept. 11. Both survived.

She stood at the side of the road as the last car made its way up Houghton, holding an American flag and a sign reading, "God be with you — thank you."

"When something like this happens, I feel obligated to come out and pay my respects," Weber said.

Local business owner Bill Martin stood outside near the church. He said he came to show support for police and to recognize the difficult jobs they have.

"We've had a lack of appreciation for law enforcement in the past, but now I think the pendulum is swinging," Martin said. "This officer went out in the line of fire, and the police should know we support them."