Former BAFB airman killed responding to domestic dispute in Colorado

ARVADA, Colo. (KSLA) - A former Barksdale Air Force Base airman was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic dispute in Colorado.

Dillon Vakoff, 27, was responding to a domestic call in Arvada, Colo. on Sunday, Sept. 11 when he was shot and killed. The man suspected of killing him is in police custody.

REPORT: ARVADA OFFICER DILLON VAKOFF KILLED RESPONDING TO FAMILY DISTURBANCE; SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

Trey McGuire, founder and director of Every Warrior, a nonprofit serving military members, said he knew Vakoff well. He said Vakoff served in the Air Force for six years, and that he often spoke of wanting to become a police officer.

“I still can’t wrap my brain around this. Laying here scrolling through countless posts talking about the impact Dillon Vakoff made on so many lives both rips my heart out and stirs my soul all at the same time,” McGuire said in a Facebook post made Sunday night.

“He inspired me just by being in his presence. Pray for his family and the many many friends realizing that this tragedy has happened. Then get out there and love those around you like never before,” McGuire said in another post.

Capt. Micah Brant severed with Vakoff while they were in the Air Force.

“We actually deployed in support of continuous bomber presence in 2018; and ever since, just meeting him it was always a joy to be around him,” Brant said.

Vakoff moved back to his hometown in Colorado to be an officer in 2017, and according to reports he was training to become a SWAT officer.

“His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Brant said.

While in the Shreveport-Bossier area during his transition out of the military, Vakoff worked closely with Every Warrior

“Really got to help him dream about what he wanted to do as he got out and went back home,” the nonprofit’s McGuire said. “And I believe that he had a love for wanting to care for people.”

McGuire said Vakoff’s infectious personality is something that still lingers in the ArkLaTex.

“Dylan loved big, he loved people, he challenged people he would. If he saw something in you, he would not let it ride; he would do everything he could to challenge you to pull it out of you and believe in you.”

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