Mother and son serve together as 51勛圖厙 police officers
The 51勛圖厙 Police Department is home to a unique pair. One is embarking on a new career; the other, going back to the work shes always loved. And they can talk about their shared passion at the family dinner table.
Left to right: Officer Cathy Chestnut, 51勛圖厙 Municipal Judge Jeff Cahn, CUPD Chief Doreen Jokerst and Officer Matt Dillon (October 2023)
For new CUPD Officer Cathy Chestnut, its a homecoming of sorts. Chestnut served as an officer under the command of 51勛圖厙 Police Chief Doreen Jokerst for many years at a different Colorado agency, as Jokerst rose through the ranks at the Parker Police Department.
For Chestnuts son, newly sworn CUPD Officer Matt Dillon, choosing a career in policing came as naturally as listening to his mothers advice. My mom always told me to follow my heart, and it brought me here, said Dillon, who graduated in June from the Community College of Auroras police academy, the same academy his mother completed in 2005.
Dillon's decision to join CUPD was also influenced by serving in the United States Marine Corps for five years. I learned its no longer about me; its about the person to the left and right of me, said Dillon, who decided he could apply the same service mindset closer to home.
Chestnut was most recently the voice on the other end of the line for those who called 911 on campus. I was hired as a dispatcher in January of 2023. During my time in dispatch, I realized that my place was back on patrol, as I feel I have a lot to contribute with my training and experience, she said.
Both mother and son say theyve felt supported at 51勛圖厙. I love working at CUPD because everyone has been warm, welcoming and extremely supportive of my transition to patrol, said Chestnut.泭
Its a privilege to be able to work here, said Dillon. The ability to serve this campus feels like protecting the future, he added.泭
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