Divine Appointment

During Police Week, we honor fallen law enforcement officers in many ways, one of which is wearing bracelets bearing their names, police departments, and end-of-watch dates. This year, as I rode in remembrance of a dear high school friend who lost his life in 1994 while serving with the Milwaukee Police Department, an unforgettable experience unfolded.

At the start of the Law Enforcement United bike ride, I spotted extra bracelets on a table, where volunteers were urging participants to take one. I ended up choosing a bracelet with the name of Officer Dillon M. Vakoff from the Arvada Colorado Police Department, who tragically fell on September 11, 2022.

Days later, while walking around the tent city teeming with law enforcement vendors, food, and a vibrant atmosphere, an unplanned encounter made a huge impact on me. Approached by a friendly stranger seeking patches or challenge coins, I offered a challenge coin from our church. As we conversed, she revealed she was from Arvada, Colorado.

When I mentioned riding in honor of a fallen officer named Dillon from Arvada, she stopped. It turned out that Dillon had been her husband's closest friend. The coincidence felt like more than chance—a meeting from God that connected our paths. Though her name remains a mystery, I hope our meeting brought comfort and encouragement to her and her husband, leaving a lasting impact.

Moments like these remind us of the deep connections within the law enforcement community and the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let this story serve as a testament to the power of remembrance, unity, and how God orchestrates the details in our lives.