Arizona state trooper killed in line of duty last week laid to rest

PHOENIX – The rookie Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper killed in the line of duty last week was honored by his loved ones and colleagues as he was laid to rest Friday morning.

The funeral service for 24-year-old Tyler Edenhofer was held at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria and streamed live online.

Family members, fellow troopers, DPS Director Col. Frank Milstead and Gov. Doug Ducey gave eulogies.

Deborah Edenhofer told hundreds of mourners that her son, a U.S. Navy veteran, had found his dream job.

“He was so, so proud to put on that uniform every day,” she said, accompanied by her son’s fiancee. “Now I’m broken.”

Troopers who graduated from the police academy alongside Edenhofer in May shared memories of a classmate who was soft-spoken, hardworking and loved to drive his white Ford Mustang.

“I am forever in debt to Tyler for helping me get through the academy,” former classmate Samuel Anspach said. “He taught me to get my boots to shine as much as his. I want Tyler to be remembered as someone who wanted to be a trooper for all the right reasons.”

Milstead urged younger troopers to press on in Edenhofer’s memory.

“I call upon you to exceed all standards, to never forget Tyler, to work with great tenacity, intensity and a sense of urgency to honor his life,” Milstead said.

The funeral culminated outdoors with a moment of silence and a caravan of helicopters flying overhead.

.@KTAR923 Taps being played to honor the life and service of Navy Veteran & Fallen DPS Trooper Tyler Edenhofer. pic.twitter.com/LJi3xcAtjk

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) August 3, 2018

A fly over concluded today’s ceremonies honoring the life and service of @Arizona_DPS Trooper Tyler Edenhofer. pic.twitter.com/4XuV3x20mS

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) August 3, 2018

Representatives from law enforcement agencies around the country were on hand for the funeral.

Law Enforcement Officers from throughout the country join with us in honoring Trooper Tyler Edenhofer. pic.twitter.com/4PLq6OHIb2

— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) August 3, 2018

Along Valley freeways, the Arizona Department of Transportation paid tribute to Edenhofer on its overhead signs.

Arizona is grateful for Trooper Tyler Edenhofer's service. pic.twitter.com/ykb8vNHTvQ

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) August 3, 2018

During what was scheduled to be his final week of field training, Edenhofer was shot and killed on July 25 while responding to a call of a man throwing rocks on Interstate 10 in Avondale.

DPS officials said the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Isaac King, fought with multiple responding officers for eight minutes when he got hold of another trooper’s weapon and fired two shots.

One of the shots killed Edenhofer, and the other injured Trooper Dalin Dorris.

King was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, multiple counts of aggravated assault, three counts of endangerment and resisting arrest.

A candlelight vigil for Edenhofer was held at the state Capitol on Monday night, and public visitation was held at the church Thursday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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