COTTONWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Sergeant Monica Kuhlt
Cottonwood Police Department
mkuhlt@cottonwoodaz.gov
(928) 340-2113 desk
Cottonwood, AZ, September 8, 2020 - It is with great sadness the Cottonwood Police Department learned early Monday afternoon that Commander Jody Makuch was involved in an off-duty fatal vehicle vs. motorcycle collision, which led to his death. The investigation is being handled by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Commander Jody Makuch began his career in law enforcement in 1998 as a Police Officer with Elk City Police Department, Oklahoma. Jody moved to Arizona and has been with the Cottonwood Police Department since January 2000. He was promoted to Commander in November of 2009. Commander Makuch was assigned to the Support Service Division.
Hi areas of responsibility included:
- Investigations
- Professional Standards
- Cottonwood Public Safety Communications Center
- Records
- Victim Assistance
- Citizen Police Academy
- COP Volunteers
- Mobile Command Unit
Commander Makuch is a graduate of the 245th session of the FBI National Academy. He has worked various duties to include Corrections, Patrol, Field training Officer (FTO), SWAT and Field Training Supervisor. Commander Makuch served for seven and a half years in the United States Army prior to his law enforcement career. His various job specialties while serving in the Army included Artillery, Corrections and Military Police.
In addition to Jody’s dedication and commitment to the Cottonwood Police Department he was also a devout husband and father to his wife, Joanna, their two daughters; Ashleigh & Gabriella; and two sons, Hudson (13) and Spencer (12). Jody spent all of his time with his wife and family; who he loved greatly and was an avid motorcycle and dirt bike enthusiast.
He will be deeply missed by the Cottonwood Police Department and the community he served.
Local law enforcement agencies and fire departments escorted Commander Makuch to the Yavapai Medical Examiner’s Office where members will remain with him until he is transferred to the funeral home. THis is known as "Hero Watch".
"Jody Makuch represented the best in humanity. He was first and foremost a loving and dedicated husband and father. His family was everything to him. He was a veteran, selfless public servant, mentor and friend. He will be greatly missed. We ask that the public keep his family in their thoughts and prayers during this tragic and difficult time and respect their privacy." - Chief Steve Gesell, Cottonwood Police Department.
Funeral arrangements are still pending. Many have reached out to us with the desire to donate to the Makuch family. You can do so through Law Enforcement Heroes at http://www.lawenforcementheroes.com/