Cody Treatch

On August 14, 2024, Fire Cadet Cody Treatch suffered a heat-related illness during his second day of training at the Rural Metro Fire Academy in Tucson, Arizona. He had been outside in the heat doing laps when he collapsed. He was immediately transported to the hospital. While hospitalized, his condition deteriorated and after nine days, on August 23, he passed away. He had just begun training on August 12 and was incredibly proud to begin his life of service to others. He was just 26 years old and soon to become a father to his first child. 

Cody was born and raised in Marana, Arizona, to his parents, Jacquie and Willie Treatch, along with his older sister, Lilli. Although she was older, he was incredibly protective of her and always wanted to make sure the people he loved were taken care of. As a child, he was extremely selfless, dependable, and punctual. He remained that way throughout his entire life; if he told you he would be somewhere, he was there, and if you needed him, you could count on him. Baseball was a huge part of Cody’s life from the time he was young. He was a left-handed pitcher and went on to play collegiate baseball at Gateway Community College and Southwestern College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Baseball also led him to his future wife, Kylee, when he traveled to Kansas to play baseball for her dad. He also loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, the shooting range, and of course, attending baseball games. One of his biggest passions was barbecuing and smoking meat, enjoying experimenting with recipes and techniques. He loved being with family and friends, enjoying his cooking and singing country music songs. 

Cody grew up surrounded by examples of what it meant to serve others. His mom worked within the school district, and his dad was a Fire Marshal. On several occasions, he went on calls with his dad, inspiring him to choose his future career. Helping people was simply who he was, and being there for others without hesitation was a big part of his being. He was a true leader in all he did, even in everyday life. He was the one you could count on, the one who would stop to help strangers, the one who gave his time and effort to those who needed it. During his senior year of college, he was named the baseball team captain. He was someone who provided direction, support, and mentorship, without ever expecting recognition for what he did.  

Cody met his wife, Kylee, in 2018 in Wellington, Kansas when he came to play summer baseball for her dad. She showed him around the stadium and they immediately became friends. Being around him was just easy. By the end of the summer, she knew Cody was the one. They enjoyed the simple things in life together, and they deeply understood each other. Cody was very supportive of his wife and was especially proud when she graduated with her doctorate. The moment he found out he was going to be a father, his eyes lit up. He helped to decorate the nursery and chose a name for his unborn son – William “Hunter.” Kylee was 19 weeks pregnant when Cody passed. Hunter was born on December 26, 2024. He may never get to know his dad in the way they had dreamed, but he will grow up knowing exactly who his father was, how deeply his father loved him before he was even born, how excited he was to become a father, and what kind of man he was. He will be taught to “live loudly and be brave,” as his father had lived.  

Fire Cadet Cody Treatch is survived by his loving wife, Kylee, his cherished son, Hunter, his parents, Jacquie and Willie, his sister, Lilli, and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Treatch family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.