Law Enforcement Heroes

On September 7, 2020 we lost a loving and dedicated husband and father and an honorable public servant when Jody Makuch was tragically killed. Jody was returning home from a motorcycle ride when he was struck by a sports utility vehicle driven by an impaired driver.  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.  Now it’s our turn to step up and show our best in humanity by helping the loving and heartbroken family he leaves behind. Not only is his family facing the devastating loss of their husband and father but also the financial impact from the medical expenses, funeral costs and loss of income. Anything you can donate is greatly appreciated! Jody Makuch honorably served in law enforcement for more than 20 years. When he wasn’t serving the community he was a devoted husband and father spending all of his time with his family. Jody was actively involved in both of his daughters’ youth soccer while growing up. He was actively involved in off-road sports with his 12 & 13-year-old sons. In fact, he had an upcoming trip with the family where they would camp and ride their off-road quads. Jody loved riding his motorcycle but always wore all of the protective gear such as helmet, gloves, leather and pads.  Jody Makuch was a commander with the Cottonwood Police Department where he selflessly served the Verde Valley for twenty years.  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 Services Division. 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.