By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Lieutenant Chris Dillon's passing on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 49, profoundly saddens the Orange County Sheriff’s Office family.
In his over two decades at OCSO, Lt. Dillon was a deeply committed patrol deputy, a tireless advocate for victims of violent crime, and a passionate proponent of building relationships and trust through community engagement.
If you ever attended an OCSO barbecue or community event, you likely crossed paths with Lt. Dillon and will "never forget his upbeat energy and warm smile," the law enforcement agency said in a social media post Thursday: He was passionate about his work in the Criminal Investigations Division and proud to have served in Homicide and the Investigative Services Section. Chris always stood up for the underdog and demonstrated unwavering dedication to justice and compassion for those affected by violent crime.
If you ever attended an OCSO barbecue or community event, you likely crossed paths with Lt. Dillon and will "never forget his upbeat energy and warm smile," the law enforcement agency said in a social media post: He was passionate about his work in the Criminal Investigations Division and proud to have served in Homicide and the Investigative Services Section. Chris always stood up for the underdog and demonstrated unwavering dedication to justice and compassion for those affected by violent crime.
The OCSO said he "will be deeply missed by all of us" and asked that you " please keep his wife, children, and all who knew and loved him in your hearts."
Obituary: Christopher Michael Dillon
August 5, 1975 to August 19, 2024
Chris Dillon never met a stranger. Within a minute or two in his orbit, you would feel like a longtime friend, whether he met you socially or through his work for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Chris was an outstanding father, husband, friend, and deputy. Nothing made him happier than being with his wife, Melissa, and their boys, Ethan and Jacob.
Chris was introduced to Melissa on a blind date on Dec. 10, 2004. He described the encounter as "love at first sight," and anyone who witnessed them together could tell they were meant to be. Chris and Melissa married in 2007 and welcomed their first son, Jacob, in 2009, followed by their second child, Ethan, in 2014.
Chris cherished simple family moments, whether camping, playing with his boys, or working on Melissa's numerous home improvement ideas. He had a soft side and would watch romantic comedies and Hallmark movies with Melissa. And he was funny, as well. It brought Chris great joy to make people laugh.
However, Melissa and his boys were the greatest joys of his life. His dedication as a father was unrivaled. Chris spent his free time coaching baseball and flag football. He was always present and beaming with pride as he cheered on his sons and celebrated their achievements. Chris' family was his world, and he never shied away from telling them how much he loved them and how much they meant to him.
Chris was born August 5, 1975, in Bloomington, Illinois, where he spent his elementary school years. Chris relocated to Florida and attended Lyman High School. After high school, he worked the day shift at Winn-Dixie while studying at night for the police academy. Driven to make a difference and help his community,
Chris began his law enforcement career with the Casselberry Police Department before joining the Orange County Sheriff's Office in 2001, where he rose to lieutenant. And recently, he fulfilled his dream of earning a Master's degree from Columbia Southern University.
Chris was passionate about his work in the Criminal Investigations Division and was proud to have served in Homicide and the Investigative Services Section. Chris always stood up for the underdog and demonstrated unwavering dedication to justice and compassion for those affected by violent crime. Chris always ensured that victims were treated with the highest level of dignity and had an uncanny ability to remain composed and empathetic, even in the face of the most challenging cases. This unique combination of professionalism and compassion made him an invaluable asset to the agency and a source of comfort for countless victims and their families.
Chris was passionate about his work in the Criminal Investigations Division and was proud to have served in Homicide and the Investigative Services Section. Chris always stood up for the underdog and demonstrated unwavering dedication to justice and compassion for those affected by violent crime.
Chris always ensured that victims were treated with the highest level of dignity and had an uncanny ability to remain composed and empathetic, even in the face of the most challenging cases. This unique combination of professionalism and compassion made him an invaluable asset to the agency and a source of comfort for countless victims and their families.
Chris will be eternally remembered and deeply missed by his loving wife, Melissa, sons Jacob and Ethan, and an extensive network of family, friends, and law enforcement colleagues who cherished him. Chris's light shone brightly through his actions and unforgettable smile. That light can never be extinguished.
Chris is survived by his wife, Melissa Dillon, and their two sons, Jacob and Ethan Dillon; parents, Tony and Barbara Dillon; brother, Shannon Dillon (and his wife, Brittany); sisters Stephanie Dillon, Michelle Jarrell, Tonya Kearns and Holli Buerle; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Scott and Brenda Heisner, as well as two sisters-in-law: Stephanie Egan (and her husband Barry) and Cheree Gandy (and her husband Justin). Additionally, Chris is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and co-workers, whose lives were forever touched by him.
A funeral service for Christopher will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm, at External Service Location, 2300 Pembrook Dr, Orlando, FL 32810.
The Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
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