1971: was a good year. Jesse Joe Hittson joined the US National Guard. Bo was a natural with a rifle since his Daddy taught him. In a national competition with Army, Navy, USMC and Air Force, Bo won 1st place in Rifle and Pugil sticks. He came home with 6 very nice medals. I put them in a frame for our Mom.
Bo grew his muscles bucking hay, milking cows, throwing footballs, pitching baseballs, dunking basketballs, water skiing, racing cars, and eating beef! He also had a very big heart for kids!
Reflections for Patrolman Jesse Joe Hittson
The Hittson Project
Written by Brad Rasmussen, Lake County Sheriff
A hero remembered never dies: This week I remember and honor the life, service and sacrifice of my cousin Yreka, California (YPD) Police Officer Jesse Joe "Bo" Hittson who was shot and killed in the line of duty on the morning of Monday, July 17, 1978. The incident began around midnight on Sunday night when several subjects were involved in a liquor store robbery and assault with a deadly weapon in Yreka. The suspects fled in a vehicle and fired on pursuing YPD officers. The pursuit continued for several miles before terminating in the hills northwest of the City of Yreka near some old cabins in Rocky Gulch. From there, suspects fled on foot up a brush covered hillside and engaged in a five hour long gun battle in which hundreds of shots were exchanged between five suspects and some twenty officers from the YPD, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and California Highway Patrol (CHP). Bo had not been on duty when the incident began but was called out to assist. At about 1:30 AM, an hour and a half into the ongoing gun battle, while clearing an area and attempting to apprehend suspects, Bo was ambushed and shot in the heart by rifle fire. A CHP Officer was also shot but survived. Bo was 27, had served with YPD for a little over three years and had also served in the National Guard. Off duty he was an avid race car driver. His brother Glenn “Tiny”, was a SCSO Deputy at the time. Bo, thank you for your service in this most noble profession, you were a hero police officer who willingly responded to the gunfire to protect your community and fellow officers. Your actions saved lives and you will never be forgotten.
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion." -Proverbs 28:1
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:13
#Hero #PoliceOfficer #SheepDog
Darrell Frost:
Growing up in the small town of Montague in the 60’s and 70’s had its perks and some downsides. It was normal to walk to school, even at a young age. I attended Montague elementary School and went to Yreka High School. I received my first ticket from then Officer Don Callahan and my second one too. Hanging out and having fun was the norm. I lacked direction and was not too concerned about my future, my mother can testify to that. In 1978 I was cooking at a local restaurant and working at the local Mobil Station. I attended races on the weekends and even got interested in racing after seeing locals, John Arnberg, Rollie Ellsie, Bo Hittson, Dave McCabe, and others. I recall a young officer that pulled me over after I cut a corner in Yreka right in front of a patrol car. As the officer got out he forgot to put the vehicle in park and his car ended up against the rear of my truck. No damage, a stern warning and a little nervous laugh. The Officer was Bo Hittson. That summer was hot and I was running at the track in a hobby class, 1956 Chevrolet with a 307 engine, a former B main stock car. My pit crew were friends, Kevin Barba and Rob Raffaelli. We usually finished 3rd or fourth and there was always frontend damage. The carburetor was always causing us grief. One night we were set not to race and Bo let us borrow a carburetor which was awesome due to the fact that he was racing in a higher more experienced class. He always took the time to talk to us and give us pointers. Of course we did have to give it back. On race night around the 15th of July, 1978 I won my one and only race in the hobby class and Bo Hittson won the A main event. In the early hours of July 17th 1978 I woke up to sirens and turned on a scanner and listened to the events that were coming across the radio. I knew an officer had been shot and later found out it was Bo Hittson. I was 20 years old at the time and it eventually shaped my future. I have had a long career in law enforcement and emergency medicine which I owe to Officer Jesse Joe ( Bo) Hittson who was killed in the line of Duty on July 17th 1978. Bo Hittson was a good man, race car driver, a giver to the community, a good police officer, and even if he did not know it, a friend in me for life. I will never forget his sacrifice or the sacrifice of others who died in the line of duty serving their communities.
Bo grew his muscles bucking hay, milking cows, throwing footballs, pitching baseballs, dunking basketballs, water skiing, racing cars, and eating beef! He also had a very big heart for kids!
Reflections for Patrolman Jesse Joe Hittson
The Hittson Project
Written by Brad Rasmussen, Lake County Sheriff
A hero remembered never dies: This week I remember and honor the life, service and sacrifice of my cousin Yreka, California (YPD) Police Officer Jesse Joe "Bo" Hittson who was shot and killed in the line of duty on the morning of Monday, July 17, 1978. The incident began around midnight on Sunday night when several subjects were involved in a liquor store robbery and assault with a deadly weapon in Yreka. The suspects fled in a vehicle and fired on pursuing YPD officers. The pursuit continued for several miles before terminating in the hills northwest of the City of Yreka near some old cabins in Rocky Gulch. From there, suspects fled on foot up a brush covered hillside and engaged in a five hour long gun battle in which hundreds of shots were exchanged between five suspects and some twenty officers from the YPD, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and California Highway Patrol (CHP). Bo had not been on duty when the incident began but was called out to assist. At about 1:30 AM, an hour and a half into the ongoing gun battle, while clearing an area and attempting to apprehend suspects, Bo was ambushed and shot in the heart by rifle fire. A CHP Officer was also shot but survived. Bo was 27, had served with YPD for a little over three years and had also served in the National Guard. Off duty he was an avid race car driver. His brother Glenn “Tiny”, was a SCSO Deputy at the time. Bo, thank you for your service in this most noble profession, you were a hero police officer who willingly responded to the gunfire to protect your community and fellow officers. Your actions saved lives and you will never be forgotten.
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion." -Proverbs 28:1
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:13
#Hero #PoliceOfficer #SheepDog
Darrell Frost:
Growing up in the small town of Montague in the 60’s and 70’s had its perks and some downsides. It was normal to walk to school, even at a young age. I attended Montague elementary School and went to Yreka High School. I received my first ticket from then Officer Don Callahan and my second one too. Hanging out and having fun was the norm. I lacked direction and was not too concerned about my future, my mother can testify to that. In 1978 I was cooking at a local restaurant and working at the local Mobil Station. I attended races on the weekends and even got interested in racing after seeing locals, John Arnberg, Rollie Ellsie, Bo Hittson, Dave McCabe, and others. I recall a young officer that pulled me over after I cut a corner in Yreka right in front of a patrol car. As the officer got out he forgot to put the vehicle in park and his car ended up against the rear of my truck. No damage, a stern warning and a little nervous laugh. The Officer was Bo Hittson. That summer was hot and I was running at the track in a hobby class, 1956 Chevrolet with a 307 engine, a former B main stock car. My pit crew were friends, Kevin Barba and Rob Raffaelli. We usually finished 3rd or fourth and there was always frontend damage. The carburetor was always causing us grief. One night we were set not to race and Bo let us borrow a carburetor which was awesome due to the fact that he was racing in a higher more experienced class. He always took the time to talk to us and give us pointers. Of course we did have to give it back. On race night around the 15th of July, 1978 I won my one and only race in the hobby class and Bo Hittson won the A main event. In the early hours of July 17th 1978 I woke up to sirens and turned on a scanner and listened to the events that were coming across the radio. I knew an officer had been shot and later found out it was Bo Hittson. I was 20 years old at the time and it eventually shaped my future. I have had a long career in law enforcement and emergency medicine which I owe to Officer Jesse Joe ( Bo) Hittson who was killed in the line of Duty on July 17th 1978. Bo Hittson was a good man, race car driver, a giver to the community, a good police officer, and even if he did not know it, a friend in me for life. I will never forget his sacrifice or the sacrifice of others who died in the line of duty serving their communities.
1971: was a good year. Jesse Joe Hittson joined the US National Guard. Bo was a natural with a rifle since his Daddy taught him. In a national competition with Army, Navy, USMC and Air Force, Bo won 1st place in Rifle and Pugil sticks. He came home with 6 very nice medals. I put them in a frame for our Mom.
Bo grew his muscles bucking hay, milking cows, throwing footballs, pitching baseballs, dunking basketballs, water skiing, racing cars, and eating beef! He also had a very big heart for kids!
Reflections for Patrolman Jesse Joe Hittson
The Hittson Project
Written by Brad Rasmussen, Lake County Sheriff
A hero remembered never dies: This week I remember and honor the life, service and sacrifice of my cousin Yreka, California (YPD) Police Officer Jesse Joe "Bo" Hittson who was shot and killed in the line of duty on the morning of Monday, July 17, 1978. The incident began around midnight on Sunday night when several subjects were involved in a liquor store robbery and assault with a deadly weapon in Yreka. The suspects fled in a vehicle and fired on pursuing YPD officers. The pursuit continued for several miles before terminating in the hills northwest of the City of Yreka near some old cabins in Rocky Gulch. From there, suspects fled on foot up a brush covered hillside and engaged in a five hour long gun battle in which hundreds of shots were exchanged between five suspects and some twenty officers from the YPD, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and California Highway Patrol (CHP). Bo had not been on duty when the incident began but was called out to assist. At about 1:30 AM, an hour and a half into the ongoing gun battle, while clearing an area and attempting to apprehend suspects, Bo was ambushed and shot in the heart by rifle fire. A CHP Officer was also shot but survived. Bo was 27, had served with YPD for a little over three years and had also served in the National Guard. Off duty he was an avid race car driver. His brother Glenn “Tiny”, was a SCSO Deputy at the time. Bo, thank you for your service in this most noble profession, you were a hero police officer who willingly responded to the gunfire to protect your community and fellow officers. Your actions saved lives and you will never be forgotten.
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion." -Proverbs 28:1
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:13
#Hero #PoliceOfficer #SheepDog
Darrell Frost:
Growing up in the small town of Montague in the 60’s and 70’s had its perks and some downsides. It was normal to walk to school, even at a young age. I attended Montague elementary School and went to Yreka High School. I received my first ticket from then Officer Don Callahan and my second one too. Hanging out and having fun was the norm. I lacked direction and was not too concerned about my future, my mother can testify to that. In 1978 I was cooking at a local restaurant and working at the local Mobil Station. I attended races on the weekends and even got interested in racing after seeing locals, John Arnberg, Rollie Ellsie, Bo Hittson, Dave McCabe, and others. I recall a young officer that pulled me over after I cut a corner in Yreka right in front of a patrol car. As the officer got out he forgot to put the vehicle in park and his car ended up against the rear of my truck. No damage, a stern warning and a little nervous laugh. The Officer was Bo Hittson. That summer was hot and I was running at the track in a hobby class, 1956 Chevrolet with a 307 engine, a former B main stock car. My pit crew were friends, Kevin Barba and Rob Raffaelli. We usually finished 3rd or fourth and there was always frontend damage. The carburetor was always causing us grief. One night we were set not to race and Bo let us borrow a carburetor which was awesome due to the fact that he was racing in a higher more experienced class. He always took the time to talk to us and give us pointers. Of course we did have to give it back. On race night around the 15th of July, 1978 I won my one and only race in the hobby class and Bo Hittson won the A main event. In the early hours of July 17th 1978 I woke up to sirens and turned on a scanner and listened to the events that were coming across the radio. I knew an officer had been shot and later found out it was Bo Hittson. I was 20 years old at the time and it eventually shaped my future. I have had a long career in law enforcement and emergency medicine which I owe to Officer Jesse Joe ( Bo) Hittson who was killed in the line of Duty on July 17th 1978. Bo Hittson was a good man, race car driver, a giver to the community, a good police officer, and even if he did not know it, a friend in me for life. I will never forget his sacrifice or the sacrifice of others who died in the line of duty serving their communities.
Bo grew his muscles bucking hay, milking cows, throwing footballs, pitching baseballs, dunking basketballs, water skiing, racing cars, and eating beef! He also had a very big heart for kids!
Reflections for Patrolman Jesse Joe Hittson
The Hittson Project
Written by Brad Rasmussen, Lake County Sheriff
A hero remembered never dies: This week I remember and honor the life, service and sacrifice of my cousin Yreka, California (YPD) Police Officer Jesse Joe "Bo" Hittson who was shot and killed in the line of duty on the morning of Monday, July 17, 1978. The incident began around midnight on Sunday night when several subjects were involved in a liquor store robbery and assault with a deadly weapon in Yreka. The suspects fled in a vehicle and fired on pursuing YPD officers. The pursuit continued for several miles before terminating in the hills northwest of the City of Yreka near some old cabins in Rocky Gulch. From there, suspects fled on foot up a brush covered hillside and engaged in a five hour long gun battle in which hundreds of shots were exchanged between five suspects and some twenty officers from the YPD, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and California Highway Patrol (CHP). Bo had not been on duty when the incident began but was called out to assist. At about 1:30 AM, an hour and a half into the ongoing gun battle, while clearing an area and attempting to apprehend suspects, Bo was ambushed and shot in the heart by rifle fire. A CHP Officer was also shot but survived. Bo was 27, had served with YPD for a little over three years and had also served in the National Guard. Off duty he was an avid race car driver. His brother Glenn “Tiny”, was a SCSO Deputy at the time. Bo, thank you for your service in this most noble profession, you were a hero police officer who willingly responded to the gunfire to protect your community and fellow officers. Your actions saved lives and you will never be forgotten.
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion." -Proverbs 28:1
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:13
#Hero #PoliceOfficer #SheepDog
Darrell Frost:
Growing up in the small town of Montague in the 60’s and 70’s had its perks and some downsides. It was normal to walk to school, even at a young age. I attended Montague elementary School and went to Yreka High School. I received my first ticket from then Officer Don Callahan and my second one too. Hanging out and having fun was the norm. I lacked direction and was not too concerned about my future, my mother can testify to that. In 1978 I was cooking at a local restaurant and working at the local Mobil Station. I attended races on the weekends and even got interested in racing after seeing locals, John Arnberg, Rollie Ellsie, Bo Hittson, Dave McCabe, and others. I recall a young officer that pulled me over after I cut a corner in Yreka right in front of a patrol car. As the officer got out he forgot to put the vehicle in park and his car ended up against the rear of my truck. No damage, a stern warning and a little nervous laugh. The Officer was Bo Hittson. That summer was hot and I was running at the track in a hobby class, 1956 Chevrolet with a 307 engine, a former B main stock car. My pit crew were friends, Kevin Barba and Rob Raffaelli. We usually finished 3rd or fourth and there was always frontend damage. The carburetor was always causing us grief. One night we were set not to race and Bo let us borrow a carburetor which was awesome due to the fact that he was racing in a higher more experienced class. He always took the time to talk to us and give us pointers. Of course we did have to give it back. On race night around the 15th of July, 1978 I won my one and only race in the hobby class and Bo Hittson won the A main event. In the early hours of July 17th 1978 I woke up to sirens and turned on a scanner and listened to the events that were coming across the radio. I knew an officer had been shot and later found out it was Bo Hittson. I was 20 years old at the time and it eventually shaped my future. I have had a long career in law enforcement and emergency medicine which I owe to Officer Jesse Joe ( Bo) Hittson who was killed in the line of Duty on July 17th 1978. Bo Hittson was a good man, race car driver, a giver to the community, a good police officer, and even if he did not know it, a friend in me for life. I will never forget his sacrifice or the sacrifice of others who died in the line of duty serving their communities.
