PEORIA, Arizona -- A Peoria police officer was killed in a motorcycle crash at a high school on Wednesday.
Officer Jason Judd had just given a demonstration to children at a summer camp at Liberty High School near 91st Avenue and Deer Valley Road when his motorcycle gave out under him, according to KNXV-TV.
Judd, who died after the crash, was a 21-year veteran of the department and had been a motorcycle officer for 17 years and was responsible for training other officers.
“Jason was one of our finest of the finest. He was a husband, a father, a friend and just a great cop. He was an Air Force veteran and loves to serve the public of Peoria," Police Chief Art Miller told reporters. "We had been hosting a youth program camp that we do every year. Officer Judd was one of the officers there today performing a demonstration."
Officials say the accident occurred after the students went inside so they did not witness what happened.
"Officer Judd was leaving at the time -- we're not really sure what happened -- the motorcycle came out from under him and he crashed at that point he was injured," Officer Brandon Sheffert said. "Not only is he in our traffic unit, he is an instructor. He teaches people how to become police motor officers. There’s so much about him -- that’s where we want to know what -- because he’s amazing at what he does. He’s an amazing motorcycle rider. It’s very...it’s tough."
Authorities say Glendale police are handling the investigation.
If you would like to help Officer Judd's family, you can donate here.
