Lawrence and Douglas county
Memorial to late sheriff’s officer dedicated
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.
June 29, 2009
Advertisement
Veteran officer honored for service
Family and friends gathered today to honor Lt. David Dillon one year after his death. Enlarge video
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.
Top ads RSS
- Need immediately Part Time Care Attendant for disabled person. Those ...
- 1 – Full Time Day LPN Discover the rewards of ...
- PROJECT ASSISTANT The Kansas Enrichment Network at the University of ...
- RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community is currently accepting applications ...
- SEEKING FULL TIME TELLER • Requires good customer service skills. ...
- 25 years ago: Haskell officials ponder new direction February 10, 2010 · 1 comment
- Kansas Legislature considers poverty waivers for those looking to get married, but unable to pay fees February 9, 2010 · 37 comments
- KU communication studies professor is a finalist for MU post February 9, 2010 · 5 comments
- Proposed constitutional amendment to block federal health care reform considered February 9, 2010 · 51 comments
- On the street: Would you like to see the local anti-smoking ordinance overturned? February 10, 2010 · 5 comments
- ‘Tea party’ is Palin’s people February 7, 2010 · 235 comments
- Tehran moves closer to warhead capacity February 9, 2010 · 44 comments
- Blog: Marion - Disappeareded 1-23-2010 January 23, 2010 · 807 comments
- Bill would allow big-cat hunting February 9, 2010 · 75 comments
- Fight to the finish February 10, 2010 · 1 comment
- Western Kentucky hires Bowen February 10, 2010
- Tour of Lawrence offers events for all ages, interests February 9, 2010
- KU employee suspected of charging personal items on university credit card February 9, 2010
- Bill would allow big-cat hunting February 9, 2010
- KU's Self on doorstep of win 400 February 10, 2010
- New, legal, drug has law enforcement concerned — and it's already on a Lawrence store's shelves November 4, 2009
- Mecham quiet and calm February 10, 2010
- KU communication studies professor is a finalist for MU post February 9, 2010
- Color of Money: Big Mama’s house was priority No. 1 February 10, 2010
- Love bonds February 8, 2010
29 June 2009
at 8:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tdill03 (Anonymous) says…
The zip code for the contributions should be 66049, not 66046. Thank you!
29 June 2009
at 10:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ModSquadGal (Anonymous) says…
What a wonderful legacy for a man who was obviously loved and a positive influence. One suggestion though… next time don't release baloons… they kill the wildlife when they break and come back down to earth! :)
29 June 2009
at 10:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
lhs90 (Tracy Myers) says…
What a wonderful tribute to a phenomenal person!! Balloons and all…………
29 June 2009
at 11:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Marshalus (Michael Stanclift) says…
Deputy Dillion was my DARE officer back in elementary school a long time ago. He was great back then, and I can't imagine the amount of lives he had an impact on in his 26 years. He will be missed.
29 June 2009
at 12:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
maxcrabb (Anonymous) says…
Please.. just ignore waka1.
I can't even remember some of my elementary school teachers names, but I'll never forget Deputy Dillion. He made DARE fun. How he did it, I'll never know.
Again, ignore waka1.
29 June 2009
at 12:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
OldEnuf2BYurDad (Anonymous) says…
“This is a tragic event, however, the person should not have been riding their bike on the road, it is simply to dangerous of an activity. Stick to the bike trails.”
That was not a kind or intelligent post.
29 June 2009
at 1:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
458casul (Anonymous) says…
waka where do you live my german shepherd would like a talk with you…kudos to doug and his family what a great honor
29 June 2009
at 1:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
trinity (Anonymous) says…
c'mon oldenuf, when have you *ever* known waka1 to be kind OR intelligent??
this is a beautiful tribute. very neat.
29 June 2009
at 3:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
alr (Anonymous) says…
Have you ever been to Eudora? There are NO bike trails, most streets (in the older part of town) don't even have sidewalks. Growing up there, we had no choice but to walk and bike on the streets. Look, this event was a celebration of his life and committment to the community, lets not belittle it with negative comments. If you want to make a better environment for bikes and cars (and not just compain about it), contribute to the David K. Dillon foundation. (Note the change in zip code 66049).
29 June 2009
at 6:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
walleyefishn (Anonymous) says…
Thanks everybody for the nice comments. waka1 im his twin bother i read your comment. You got something better to do?
1 July 2009
at 8:11 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
orhs1963 (Anonymous) says…
waka1, I am Lt Dillon's uncle, and if you write comments for amusement then it is understandable you don't have anything better to do because you don't have enough brain power as evident because you need help from wikipedia to write you blog - by the way the person that killed my nephew was texting while he was driving rather than driving responsible.
To many people like you can't read a positive news aritcle without writing a self-serving comment; just like ModSquadGal and her envirnomental agenda.