It’s a Family Affair: Mother and Son Serve Together as CU Boulder Police Officers

CU Buffs often describe themselves as family, but in this case, two members of the CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD) sworn to serve and protect really are family.

Officer Cathy Chestnut and her son, Officer Matt Dillon, were sworn in together in October. Their shared passion for public service led them both to CUPD, where Chestnut was already serving as a police dispatcher when the pull to go back on the beat became too strong to ignore.

At the same time, Dillon was graduating from the police academy. His decision to become a police officer was influenced by his five years of service in the United States Marine Corps. Applying his service mindset closer to home meant mother and son’s paths converged.

“I am incredibly proud of Matt,” said Chestnut. “I am excited to be serving with him and looking forward to sharing my knowledge of the job to help him grow and learn.”

“It’s a privilege to be able to work here,” said Dillon. “The ability to serve this campus feels like protecting the future.”