KCS School Safety Department

02/27/2026

Congratulations to Academy Class 2026-01. Five officers completed our eight-week training academy and took the Oath of Honor on Thursday, 26 July 2026. Officer William Weaver received the Russell Kocur Leadership Award.

Class President Katelyn Oglesby ended her remarks by stating, “be the person you needed when you were younger. Let that guide the way you show up for these kids. Now let's get to work.”

Their class motto was: Prepared to Protect… Committed to Care!

We are honored to have them join us in our Mission to provide a safe and secure learning environment in Knox County Schools.

02/20/2026

Answer the call.

For many of our officers, service has always been a calling. At Knox County Schools, School Safety Officers protect their community, work a consistent school-based schedule, receive generous benefits, and make a meaningful impact on the next generation.

If this mission speaks to you, learn more and apply: https://www.knoxschools.org/about/schoolsafety

02/19/2026

Apply to serve.

At Knox County Schools, safety is grounded in respect, professionalism, and doing what is best for students. Our School Safety Officers partner with educators and families to maintain secure, supportive learning environments across the district.

If you are called to serve in this way, learn more and apply: https://www.knoxschools.org/about/schoolsafety

02/18/2026

Now accepting applications.

The Knox County Schools Department of School Safety is growing. We’re seeking professionals with sound judgement, strong character, and a commitment to protecting students.

Experience in law enforcement or military service is valued, but dedication to student safety is essential.

Apply today: https://knoxschools.munisselfservice.com/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/

02/17/2026

Join the team protecting Knox County students.

KCS School Safety Officers are fully bonded professionals with generous benefits, a consistent school-based schedule, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students’ futures.

If you’re looking for meaningful work with real responsibility, apply today: https://knoxschools.munisselfservice.com/ess/employmentopportunities/default.aspx

02/16/2026

Safe Schools, Safe Students.
The Knox County Schools Department of School Safety is hiring highly-trained, armed professionals committed to protecting students every day. With more than 120 officers serving schools across the county, this is an opportunity to join one of Tennessee’s largest school safety teams. If you’re ready to serve with purpose, apply today:
https://knoxschools.munisselfservice.com/ess/employmentopportunities/default.aspx

02/15/2026

Today we pause for a moment to recognize National School Resource/Safety Officer Day across our great nation. We take a moment to thank our KCS – School Safety Department Officers and our partner School Resource Officers from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Knoxville Police Department.
These dedicated professionals do much more than provide traditional safety and security for all our students across Knox County. Each serve a vital part of our school communities by interacting, building relationships, supporting, mentoring, and positively influencing students while providing a welcoming campus environment.
Thank you for going above and beyond for our students, faculty, families, and all who visit our schools throughout the Knox County Schools community.

Every School – Every Student – Every Day!

02/15/2026

Happy School Safety Officer Appreciation Day! 👮‍♀️ Today we celebrate the amazing SSOs who keep our students, staff, and schools safe every day. Their dedication makes a huge difference—join us in saying THANK YOU! 👏

12/29/2025

The Knox County Schools Department of School Safety joins with our brothers and sisters in the Blount County Sheriff's Office in mourning the death of Deputy Justin Mowery while working his patrol shift.
Rest In Peace Brother.

December 28, 2025

Blount County deputy killed in car crash while on duty

Blount County, Tennessee – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is saddened to announce that BCSO Deputy Justin Mowery was killed in the line of duty in a car crash while working his patrol shift late this afternoon.

“I am heartbroken. This is devastating for his family, his shift-mates, this agency, and our community,” Sheriff Berrong said. “We appreciate the swift response of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and together we are working to determine how the accident happened. We are also thankful for the response from all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies as well as the offers for assistance from agencies across the state.”

Deputy Mowery was 30 years old. After serving as a security officer at University of Tennessee Medical Center, he pursued his desire to become a deputy sheriff with Blount County. He began his career at the BCSO in May 2020 and attended the BCSO Regional Training Academy, graduating from Class 021 in October 2020. He was assigned to evening shift as a Patrol Deputy. In December 2021, he earned a coveted spot on the Sheriff’s SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team and continued to serve until his death.

“Please pray for Deputy Mowery’s family, and pray for our deputies,” Sheriff Berrong said.

12/22/2025

The Knox County Schools Department of School Safety joins with our brothers and sisters in the Knox County Sheriff's Office in mourning the death of Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon. His 46 years of service have been a blessing to our community.
Rest In Peace Brother.

December 22, 2025

It Is With Great Sadness That We Announce the Passing of Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon

From Sheriff Tom Spangler:

It is with a broken heart that I share the news of the passing of our Chief Deputy, and my dear friend, Bernie Lyon.

I’ve had to make incredibly hard announcements as Sheriff, and to be honest, I never dreamed I would have to announce the passing of my friend, the man I chose back in 2018 to be my right hand.

Our Knox County Sheriff’s Office family has lost a true leader, mentor, and brother. Bernie was more than just our Chief Deputy, he was a cop’s cop, always willing to do the job right alongside our men and women, no matter his rank. He never asked anyone to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself.

Chief Deputy Lyon (Bernie, as he insisted on being called) spent 46 years serving this community. He dedicated his life to law enforcement and to the people of Knox County, and he did it with quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and a servant’s heart.

To me, he was not only a trusted advisor, but a true friend and brother. His impact on this office, on this community, and on all of us who had the privilege of working beside him will be felt for years to come.

Our hearts are with Bernie’s family, especially his son, Taylor, and his brother, Lee Lyon (KCSO Chaplain 3), as well as all who knew and loved him.

Please keep the Lyon family and our Knox County Sheriff’s Office family in your thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead.

Tom Spangler, Sheriff

11/11/2025

Today and every day, The Knox County Schools Department of School Safety honors all veterans in our department and throughout our community who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We are truly fortunate to have over 30 veterans currently serving in our ranks and many more who have served throughout our department’s history.

We honor your commitment, dedication, and courage in the service of others. Through your example, each of you inspire the next generation to serve with strength and integrity. Thank you for your service and dedication to protecting our nation’s freedom!

10/27/2025

We join with our brothers and sisters in the Knoxville Police Department in mourning the death of Lt. Gordon Gwathney.
Rest In Peace Brother.

It is with profound sadness that the Knoxville Police Department announces the tragic passing of beloved KPD Lieutenant Gordon Gwathney.

Gwathney, 57, died after drowning on Sunday morning while on a hunting trip near Woodworth, North Dakota.

“This is an incomprehensible loss for our agency and the entire Knoxville community,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “Gordon was beloved by our department and so many members of our community. He was a truly exceptional police officer who mentored generations of officers, dedicated his entire life to service and embodied the true spirit of community policing. We are completely devastated by his passing and ask the community to lift his family, the members of our department and all who loved Gordon up in prayer.”

"Gordon Gwathney will always be remembered first and foremost as 'Officer G', the friendly, accessible, caring officer who took the time to really get to know the people he was entrusted to serve and protect," said Mayor Indya Kincannon. "His commitment to listening and earning the trust of the community was exceptional. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and co-workers as we grieve his untimely death."

Gwathney served the KPD since 1997, ascending to the rank of Sergeant in 2003 and Lieutenant in 2010. Gwathney, known endearingly as “Officer G” throughout the East Knoxville community, served virtually his entire career on patrol. Early in his career, he was assigned as the first-ever School Resource Officer at Austin-East High School, where he formed countless lasting relationships in the community.

Gwathney, a Sevier County native, was recognized as KPD’s Officer of the Year in 2013 and nominated for the award again in 2019. Prior to joining the KPD, he served his country as a member of the U.S. Army, a tenure that included a deployment to Korea, and later as a member of the Tennessee National Guard.

The KPD appreciates the support of the agencies who responded to this morning's incident, which includes the Carrington Fire Department, Carrington Ambulance, Stutsman County Water Rescue, Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Funeral services for Lt. Gwathney have not been finalized and will be shared in the coming days.