Holly MatkinPeoria, AZ – Peoria Police Department (PPD) Officer Jason Judd died in the line of duty on Wednesday after conducting a motorcycle demonstration for a group of Youth Citizen Police Academy Camp participants.
The 52-year-old officer had just wrapped up his demonstration and the youth had gone back inside Liberty High School when the fatal single-vehicle crash occurred, KNXV reported.
“At some point, the motorcycle came out from under him and he crashed and at that point he was injured,” PPD spokesperson Officer Brandon Sheffert told The Arizona Republic.
Officers at the scene immediately called for help, and Officer Judd was rushed to a local hospital with “significant injuries,” Officer Sheffert said.
He died at the hospital at approximately 11:30 a.m., according to The Arizona Republic.
The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is handling the ongoing investigation into the deadly crash.
Officer Judd, a U.S. Air Force veteran, served the PPD for 21 years, The Arizona Republic reported.
“I believe that all of our personnel at Peoria Police Department are our finest,” PPD Chief Art Miller said during a press conference on Thursday. “Jason was one of our finest of the finest.”
Officer Judd had been working as a motorcycle officer for 17 years, and also trained fellow officers, KNXV reported.
“Not only is he in our traffic unit, he is an instructor,” Officer Sheffert told KNXV. “He teaches people how to become police motor officers…He’s amazing at what he does. He’s an amazing motorcycle rider. It’s very…it’s tough.”
Chief Miller described Officer Judd as “a great cop” who “loved to serve the public of Peoria,” The Arizona Republic reported.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has ordered that the flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of Officer Judd.
“Arizona mourns the tragic loss of Peoria Police Officer Jason Judd,” Ducey said in statement to The Arizona Republic. “A 21-year veteran of the Peoria Police Department, Officer Judd put his life on the line every day to keep Arizonans safe. Our prayers are with his family, loved ones and fellow officers.”
Officer Judd was both a husband and a father, Chief Miller said.
Our hearts are with the @PeoriaPoliceAZ and the colleagues, family and friends of Officer Jason Judd who lost his life in the Line of Duty earlier today.#EOW pic.twitter.com/BzT7ckaZeX
— 100 Club of Arizona (@100ClubAZ) July 1, 2020
Arizona is saddened by this tragic loss, and our prayers go out to Officer Jason Judd’s family, loved ones and the entire @PeoriaPoliceAZ community. In honor of Officer Judd’s life and service, I have ordered flags be lowered to half-staff tomorrow, July 2, 2020. #RIP https://t.co/5orOyTwfTR
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) July 2, 2020
It is never easy to lose a fellow Law Enforcement Officer, especially when it hits so close to home. With deep sorrow we offer support & sincere condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of @PeoriaPoliceAZ Officer Jason Judd, who passed away today in a motorcycle accident. pic.twitter.com/t0I50tIZzt
— Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (@mcsoaz) July 1, 2020
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the on-duty death of Peoria Police Ofc. Jason Judd. The 21-year veteran of PPD was involved in a motorcycle accident on-duty. Judd was a father, husband, friend and a great cop. Our thoughts are with his family and PPD. @PeoriaPoliceAZ pic.twitter.com/OtTjtpVeLK
— Buckeye Police Dept (@BuckeyeAZPD) July 1, 2020
We stand beside our brothers and sisters of @PeoriaPoliceAZ during this difficult time after the passing of Officer Jason Judd. He was 52-years-old and served with Peoria PD for 21 years. We send our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences to the Judd family and Peoria PD. pic.twitter.com/OrmZUpsXE4
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) July 1, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Peoria Police Department Officer Jason Judd, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
