This memorial page is dedicated to The Scottsdale Police Department officer who paid the ultimate price.... And his family.

Sadly, across the country, many law enforcement officers will lose their lives this year while performing their duties. The Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program, created by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, is administered by the National Fraternal Order of Police Foundation to assist the spouses of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

One Scottsdale Police Officer lost his life in the line of duty. This brave hero, his familiy and loved ones are always in our hearts and minds.

Sergeant Thomas Alan Hontz
Scottsdale Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 20, 2002

Sergeant Thomas Hontz was killed following a training exercise when a piece of equipment exploded at about 1700 hours.

He was conducting SWAT exercises at two vacant homes when a device used to puncture a wall and pump tear gas into a room exploded. 14 other officers and firefighters from several agencies were injured as a result of the explosion.

Sergeant Hontz had been employed with the Scottsdale Police Department for 24 years, and was one of the officers responsible for the creation of the agency's SWAT team.

He is survived by his wife and three sons.

2007 National FOP Memorial Video

Video