Richard (Rick) Sterling Dukatz Obituary (1962 - 2008)

“Our Hero” Richard Sterling Dukatz, 46, of West Jordan, died at his home on December 18, 2008. Rick, a decorated Murray City Police Officer, was a devoted and loving husband, father, friend, coworker, and community member. Rick was looking forward to his retirement in May of next year and the opportunity to spend more time with his wife Beverly, his five children and grandson. These plans tragically changed in October of 2008 when he was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer caused by exposure to meth labs in the line of duty. Rick was born in Minneapolis, MN on April 27, 1962, the son of James Gerald Dukatz and Faye Viola Dukatz. Rick married the love of his life Beverly Diane Harvey on November 9, 1985. Rick graduated from Bingham High School in 1980 and earned an Associates degree in Criminal Justice from Salt Lake Community College in August of 2001. Rick’s career in law enforcement started in 1985 as a Constable and then a Reserve Officer for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the South Jordan Police Department. He was hired as a full-time Patrol Officer for the South Jordan Police Department. He then began working at the Murray City Police Department in 1990. He served as a K-9 officer, a Community Oriented Policing Officer, and spent ten years on the Murray SWAT team. He also spent three years with the DEA Metro Narcotics Task Force as a Narcotics Detective. Most recently he confronted the most difficult job for any cop by working as a Child Abuse Detective. Rick received the Purple Heart in 1992 for injuries sustained in the line of duty, and was recently honored with the Chief’s Star Award for his outstanding work as a Homicide Detective. He also received 6 Division Commander Awards and several other achievement awards. Rick was loved for his sharp wit and his fun outlook at life. Rick enjoyed fixing and racing cars, specifically Camaro’s, and going for rides with his wife on his Harley. He belonged to the Peacemakers Motorcycle Club. Friends were a priority to Rick, and the Dukatz home is often overflowing with friends. However, his greatest passion in life was his wife and family. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Beverly Dukatz; his daughter, Breanna; four sons, Derrick, Danny, Brandon, Jared; and grandson, Braden. He is also survived by his parents, James Gerald Dukatz and Faye Viola Dukatz; sister, Kathryn (Dukatz) Jensen (Clifford); brothers, Donald Dukatz (Margaret New) and David Thomas Dukatz (Susan Prince). A viewing will be held at Murray High School at 5440 S. State St. on Friday December 26th from 6:00 to 8:00pm. His funeral will be held at Murray High School on Saturday December 27th at 11:00am. Interment will follow at the Murray City Cemetery at 5490 S. Vine St. The Dukatz family wishes to thank Brian Wiseman, Jake Huggard, and many other friends, family and strangers for their ongoing support, prayers, and kindness. Memorial donations may be sent to: The Murray City Police Department, care of the Dukatz family, at: 5025 S. State, Murray, UT 84107.