Relatives and friends of David Dillon — from left, friend Lance Bartek, daughter Meghan Dillon, twin brother Doug Dillon, daughter Molly Dillon and older brother Jeffrey Dillon, partially obscured — release balloons in memory of David Dillon, a lieutenant with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office who was killed while riding his bicycle a year ago Sunday. About 100 guests attended a dedication ceremony for a memorial bench for Dillon outside the Douglas County Jail.

A memorial bench for David K. Dillon marks his 26 years of service to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

June 28, 2008, is a day the Dillon family will never forget.

It was on that day that David Dillon, a son, brother and father, died after being hit by a car during a bicycle ride one mile west of Eudora.

“But this day, June 28, 2009, is a day of remembrance, honor and life celebration for Lt. Dave Dillon,” his brother Douglas said Sunday.

Dillon, a 44-year-old lieutenant for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, now has a bench outside the Douglas County Jail, a place where he spent the last 10 years of his law enforcement career.

“I think it’s appropriate out here, what he’s brought to this facility out here and this agency.” said Sheriff Ken McGovern. “He opened this place. He helped bring it up. It was nice to do it out here.”

Hundreds of friends and family members gathered Sunday afternoon to see the unveiling of Dillon’s memorial bench, which noted his 26 years of service in the department. Both his brothers, Douglas and Jeffrey, his mother, Joyce, McGovern and former Lawrence Mayor Sue Hack spoke at the ceremony.

“A year ago today changed our lives,” said Jeffrey Dillon. “I’ve been all emotions across the board but I have to bring myself back to David. That’s what we’re here today to do.”

Hack, who taught David and brother Douglas in seventh grade, announced the forming of the David K. Dillon Foundation, which will provide resources for bicycle safety and law enforcement leadership training.

“These were two of the many passions of David’s life,” Hack said. “I think (this) will be a continuing tribute to what he gave back to his family, to his co-workers and to this wonderful community that we love so much.”

McGovern says Dillon had an indescribable impact on the jail and the sheriff’s office.

“You can’t explain all that he’s done,” he said. “We’re trying to explain to folks that come in and out of here … what he’s done for this place and what they need to live up to.”

Contributions to the David K. Dillon Foundation can be sent to 633 Arrowhead Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049.