Archive for Monday, June 30, 2008
Officer remembered as caring educator
A more than 25 year veteran of the Douglas County Sheriff's Department dies after a driver strikes his bicycle.
June 30, 2008
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David K. Dillon
Lt. David Dillon, a veteran of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office who taught many area schoolchildren through the D.A.R.E. program, is remembered as a caring person and dedicated worker after his death in a bicycle-vehicle accident Saturday morning.
Dillon was 44.
“He was a very kind soul who really, really cared about people and loved what he did for a living,” his older brother Jeffrey Dillon said.
Dillon died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bike near his Eudora home. The accident occurred shortly before 8 a.m. in the 1900 section of North 1400 Road. Dillon was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by a 20-year-old Eudora man, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Trooper Terry Burner said he didn’t believe excessive speed or alcohol were factors. The incident is under investigation.
The news traveled quickly Saturday across Douglas County, where Dillon grew up and had served more than 25 years at the sheriff’s office.
A 1982 graduate of Lawrence High, Dillon joined the office quickly after graduation, following the lead of family friends Rex Johnson and Loren Anderson, both former sheriffs.
“Rex and Loren had a big influence on Dave’s life and going into law enforcement,” Jeffrey Dillon said.
Dillon worked with thousands of area schoolchildren through the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, Jeffrey Dillon said. He had assisted in the formation of the Douglas County Jail, which opened in 1999, and recently worked for the department’s corrections operations.
Friends recalled a mild-mannered man who worked to create positive outcomes out of even the most difficult situations.
“He truly cared about everybody that he worked with,” Sgt. Wes Houk said. “He truly cared about all the inmates that came in. He was concerned about them, their welfare, and making sure they were taken care of appropriately.”
Dillon was the father of two girls, an outdoorsman who fished and water-skied, and something of a weatherman.
“If you needed to know what the weather was, you wouldn’t necessary turn on the television,” Jeffrey Dillon said. “You would call Dave Dillon.”
Friend Brad Bird said Dillon always wore a smile.
“He was just a joy to be around,” Bird said. “It’s truly a loss of the type of person he is, because they’re very rare.”
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30 June 2008 at 12:06 p.m.
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jdillonsf (Anonymous) says…
Thank you to all of you whom have posted a comment regarding our David Dillon. Your outpouring of love and support means so much to us in this time of loss. We know that David's spirit and love will remain here in Douglas County and Lawrence through all of you who knew and worked with him.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,
The Dillon Family
30 June 2008 at 6:57 p.m.
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Lynn731 (Anonymous) says…
We have all lost a nice, caring man. We have a fine Sheriff Office in Douglas County. I have lived here for 35 years, though I worked in Topeka. I did not know David personally, but I wish I had. He sounded like a great guy. When we lose a peace officer, on duty or off, it is a loss to all of us. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and fellow deputies. God bless you.
30 June 2008 at 8:09 p.m.
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MichaelJ (Anonymous) says…
In every contact I had with Lt. Dillon, he was the epitome of professionalism. He will be sorely missed. My condolenses to his family.
1 July 2008 at 12:13 a.m.
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joemamma (Anonymous) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
1 July 2008 at 1:44 a.m.
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badmoon66 (Anonymous) says…
While I'm sorry for his family, I can't refrain from commenting that in all my interactions with Lt Dillon, he was an honest,caring ,kind Lt who treated jail inmates with true respect…..
And for the culture of the law enforcement in kansas we forgive you for your deep ignorance…
1 July 2008 at 1:52 a.m.
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badmoon66 (Anonymous) says…
In case you didnt quite get it …I will paint a picture for you…”joemamma” my prior comment was for you…
1 July 2008 at 10:21 a.m.
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princess81 (Anonymous) says…
joemamma obviously has too much time on his hands, and perhaps has spent some time in the Douglas County Jail. Grow up and get some manners!!
1 July 2008 at 10:21 a.m.
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friends (Anonymous) says…
David Dillon was an amazing person both as an officer and a person. My husband and I are proud to call him our friend. There is no doubt that if there were more people like David in this world it would be a better place. Our love and prayers to your family and friends as we acknowledge this great loss. You will be sorely missed in our lives but we know that you are in a much better place.
1 July 2008 at 10:39 a.m.
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consumer1 (Anonymous) says…
Dave was an awesome guy. He will be missed. My Prayers for his family.