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Service held for Peoria Police officer who died following motorcycle crash
Officer Jason Judd, a 21-year veteran of Peoria police, was 52 at the time of his death. FOX 10's Bailey Miller reports.
PEORIA, Ariz. - Hundreds of police officers and others attended a funeral service on July 14 for a Peoria police officer killed in a crash.
Judd, 52, died in an on-duty motorcycle crash after a demonstration at a school. He was performing a demonstration for students at a youth camp, and the crash happened after the youth camp participants went back into the building.
Judd, an Air Force veteran, was with the Peoria Police Department for 21 years, and was a motorcycle officer for 17 years.
Peoria officer Jason Judd dead after motorcycle crash at Liberty High School
Peoria Police Chief Art Miller confirmed that a motorcycle officer has died after a single-vehicle crash.
Service took place in Peoria
The service for Officer Judd took place at Christ's Church of the Valley, near 67th Avenue and Happy Valley Road.
Bagpipes were heard during the service, with a line of officers saluting one of their own.
Honors were held immediately after the service on a grass area outside of the church. Those who attended were asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing amid COVID-19.
Air Force jets flew over the church as part of the honors ceremony and helmeted fellow motorcycle officers were among those who paused at Judd's casket to pay their respects.
During the service, Judd's family and fellow officer told their stories of Judd, and what kind of an officer he was. Teresa, Judd's wife of almost 10 years, also took the stage to eulogized him.
"He was the strength of our family, the glue that held us together. Our protector and our hero." said Teresa.
One of Judd's sons also reminisced on the favorite lessons he learned from his father, an how he also became a rider.
"I have smiled at comments made to me that I ride like my dad," said the son. "Many of us here ride like him because he taught so many of us."
Procession followed service
A procession followed the service, with the motorcade, escorted by motorcycle officers, heading to Phoenix from the church.
Along the procession route, traffic stopped, and residents stood on the side of the road with flags waving to show their support.
Peoria's police chief, Art Miller, says the department has had an incredibly tough couple of weeks, but says the outpouring of support from the community and other departments across the country has been helping.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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