The Tucson community is mourning the tragic loss of Cody Treatch, a dedicated Rural Metro firefighter recruit who passed away on August 23, 2024. Cody’s untimely death followed his hospitalization on August 14, after he fell ill during academy training.
His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him, as well as in the broader firefighting community that he was on the path to joining. Cody’s journey toward becoming a firefighter was marked by dedication and a passion for serving others. Firefighting is not just a career; it’s a calling that requires immense courage, commitment, and a desire to help those in need.
Cody embodied these qualities, as evidenced by his commitment to rigorous training at the Rural Metro Fire Academy. His passing during such a crucial period of his life and career has left many grappling with the loss of a promising young man who was prepared to risk his life for the safety of others.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Rural Metro Fire Department, along with the entire Tucson community, has rallied to support Cody’s family. Fire Chief Karl Isselhard expressed the department’s collective grief, stating, “Our focus is on supporting the Treatch family and our personnel as we all mourn the passing of Cody and work through this difficult time.”
The sentiment underscores the strong bonds of camaraderie and mutual support that are characteristic of the firefighting profession. Firefighters often refer to their colleagues as a ‘second family,’ and in times of loss, this bond becomes even more evident as they come together to honor their fallen comrade and support his loved ones.
Cody’s wife, Kylee Morgan Treatch, has been particularly vocal about the love and admiration she has for her late husband. She shared a poignant letter that Cody wrote to her before they were married, providing a glimpse into the depth of their relationship and the kind of man Cody was—loving, thoughtful, and deeply committed to his family.
This letter has resonated with many, offering a bittersweet reminder of the love and life they shared, and the future they had envisioned together. Adding to the heartache is the fact that Cody and Kylee were either expecting or had recently welcomed a baby boy into their lives.
Kylee’s post from July 7th mentioned the anticipation and joy of their growing family. The news of Cody’s passing has thus not only taken away a husband and father but has also left a young child who will grow up with the legacy of a father who was a hero in every sense of the word.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many stepping forward to ensure that Kylee and her son are taken care of during this incredibly difficult time.
One of the ways the community is offering support is through a Meal Train, which has been set up to provide meals for the Treatch family. This initiative allows friends, family, and even strangers who are moved by Cody’s story to contribute in a meaningful way.
Providing meals might seem like a small gesture, but in times of grief, it can make a significant difference, offering comfort and one less thing for the family to worry about as they navigate their loss.
Condolences for Cody and his family have been pouring in from all directions. Social media, particularly Facebook, has seen an outpouring of love and sympathy.
