Old West is in Kurz’s blood2 min read

Service Officer Gene “Rock” Kurz poses for a photo in one of his Old West outfits at Cultural Park on Sept. 5. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked with some great people in the movie industry, but what I’m most proud of is working for the Sedona Police Department and the city,” he said. “It’s the best team I’ve ever been on, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.” Some of Kurz’s performance credits include HBO’s “Deadwood,” “Shadowheart,” “Redemption,” “Get Out of Dodge” and “Final Card,” a short movie to raise awareness about child trafficking. He also worked for the History Channel as a Wild West technician. Photo by David Jolkovski/Larson Newspapers

Name: Gene Kurz

Title: Community Services Officer

Years with SPD: 8

Q: What inspired you to become a police officer?

I’ve always respected the police and have always wanted to be an officer.

Q: What was it about Sedona Police Department that made you apply?

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I took the Citizens Police Academy back in 2009 and learned about the department and the officers and the different positions available, I was very interested. In 2012 the police department actually called me. They said “we have a new position starting at the department and we think you would be perfect for the job.” The position was a Community Service Aide, so I applied. I was one of the people in the yellow shirts directing traffic and handling other calls in Uptown. I was in that position until 2016 when I was promoted/applied for the Community Services Officer position and I’ve been in that position ever since.

Q: What do you enjoy most about serving the Sedona community?

I enjoy the people I work with; we are a family. I enjoy my community and the people in the community and you can’t complain about the office or its views. Sedona has great views. The city is my office.

Q: What are your daily or weekly responsibilities?

Animal control is my main focus. Some of my other daily duties are taking found property reports, lost property reports, parking issues, directing traffic, I’ll do presentations when needed and I assist other offi­cers wherever I can. I’m sure there are other things I do that are just part of my day.

Q: What hobbies do you have away from work?

Spending time with my grandchil­dren and my family. The shooting sports. Performing in Old West reen­actment shows, hockey and horses.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite movie?

“Tombstone.”

Ron Eland

Ron Eland has been the assistant managing editor of the Sedona Red Rock News for the past seven years. He started his professional journalism career at the age of 16 and over the past 35 years has worked for newspapers in Nevada, Hawaii, California and Arizona. In his free time he enjoys the outdoors, sports, photography and time with his family and friends.

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