Loudon County Sheriff's Office, TN

06/05/2026

SERGEANT DETECTIVE MARTY BRANAM GRADUATES PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL FORENSIC ACADEMY

The Loudon County Sheriff's Office is proud to congratulate Sergeant Detective Marty Branam on his graduation from the National Forensic Academy, Session 70, hosted by the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center.

The National Forensic Academy is recognized as one of the nation's premier forensic training programs, providing advanced instruction in crime scene investigation, evidence recognition and collection, forensic photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting incident reconstruction, and other critical investigative disciplines. The rigorous 10-week program equips law enforcement professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough, science-based criminal investigations.

With his graduation, Sergeant Detective Branam joins an elite group of just 1,592 National Forensic Academy alumni who have successfully completed the program since its inception in 2001. The Loudon County Sheriff's Office is proud to now have three of those graduates.

In addition to graduating from the academy, Sergeant Detective Branam was honored with the Dr. Randall Pearce Award, a distinction presented to a student who exemplifies professionalism, dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence throughout the academy. Receiving this award is a testament to the respect he earned from both instructors and his fellow classmates during the program.

Session 70 consisted of 22 students representing 20 agencies from six states: Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas. Participants included members of police departments, sheriff's offices, and state agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Rangers.

Sergeant Detective Branam's successful completion of this intensive program, along with receiving the Dr. Randall Pearce Award, reflects his commitment to professional development and excellence in criminal investigations. The advanced training he received will further enhance the Loudon County Sheriff's Office's ability to serve our citizens and pursue justice for victims.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Detective Branam on these outstanding accomplishments. We are proud of his dedication to our community and his continued pursuit of excellence in law enforcement.

06/03/2026

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE

We are proud to share an article written by Tom King with Knox TN Today highlighting the outstanding work and dedication of Sergeant Detective Kaleigh Phegley.

Sergeant Detective Phegley represents the very best of the Loudon County Sheriff's Office through her professionalism, commitment to investigations, and service to the citizens of Loudon County. Her passion for helping others and seeking justice makes a difference in our community every day.

We appreciate Tom King for taking the time to tell Sergeant Detective Phegley's story and showcase the important work being done by first responder professionals right here in East Tennessee.

“I’ve lived a lot of life in a short time.” – Loudon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Det. Sgt. Kayleigh Phegley When you listen to the story of her life — to date — you take a deep breath, and think “Damn!” The detective in LCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is a wife, ...

06/02/2026

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of retired Loudon Police Department Officer Bobby Lankford.

Bobby dedicated 27 years of service to the citizens of Loudon, and his commitment to his community will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved him during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Bobby.

This morning, our community lost a great man. Recently retired Loudon Police Department Officer Bobby Lankford passed away and went home to be with the Lord.

Bobby faithfully served the citizens of Loudon for 27 years before retiring in 2024. Throughout his career, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to the community he loved.

Funeral arrangements are pending, and we will share those details as soon as they become available.

Please keep Bobby's family, friends, and former colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His service and legacy will not be forgotten.

06/01/2026

Summer has notoriously become known as the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers. Parents play a key role in ensuring their teen drivers' safety by staying engaged in their driving habits and reinforcing safe practices:

📵 Avoid Distractions
🚭 Avoid Substances
🚗 Avoid driving with extra passengers
🚦 Buckle Up
💤 Don’t drive drowsy
🏎️ Slow Down

More: tntrafficsafety.org/teens

05/30/2026

FLOODED ROADS AND DOWNED TREES IMPACTING LOUDON COUNTY

Loudon County roads throughout the county have been impacted by fallen trees and flooded roadways following ongoing rainfall. In some areas, downed trees have also brought power lines down.

Deputies with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office are out assisting with road closures and working alongside the Loudon County Highway Department and Tennessee Department of Transportation to help clear affected roadways. Our partners with the Lenoir City Police Department and Loudon Police Department are also responding to scenes involving downed trees and power lines.

Some of the affected roadways include Highway 72, Vonore Road, Meadow Road West near Big Hill Road, Highland Avenue, and Old Highway 95. These are only some of the impacted areas, and with rain continuing to move through the county, additional roadways may become affected. Due to changing conditions and crews continuously clearing hazards, it is not possible to provide a complete list of impacted roads at this time.

Please use caution while traveling and avoid any roadway that appears flooded or blocked.

05/26/2026

We’re Tennessee, we Buckle Up to ride safely day
and night.

05/25/2026

LOUDON, TN

This Memorial Day, members of the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office came together at Loudon High School to complete the Murph Challenge in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The Murph is more than just a workout, it is a tribute to the courage, service, and selflessness displayed by our fallen heroes, especially Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL who gave his life in service to our nation.

While the physical challenge tested endurance and teamwork, it also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces.

Today, we remember the fallen, honor their legacy, and remain grateful for the freedoms their sacrifice secured.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 MEMORIAL DAY 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave everything in service to our country. Memorial Day is a time to honor the heroes who never made it home and the families who carry their memory every day.

Here in Loudon County, we are proud to live in a community that values faith, family, freedom, and service. While many gather with family and enjoy time together this Memorial Day, we pause to remember the true reason for the day, honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

We know many of our neighbors have worn the uniform, and many families have felt the sacrifice that comes with military service. To those Gold Star families and loved ones of the fallen, please know your sacrifice is never forgotten.

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office proudly supports our military, veterans, and those currently serving. Today, we remember the cost of freedom and honor those who paid the ultimate price to protect it.

May we all take a moment today to reflect, remember, and be thankful.

05/25/2026

LCSO FAMILY COOKOUT

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office was thankful for the opportunity to come together this afternoon for a family cookout at the Loudon Pool. Even with the rainy weather, deputies, correctional staff, and employees were able to enjoy time together, fellowship, and strengthen the relationships that help make our agency a family.

A very special thank you to Jay and Brooke Frankovich with Smokin F BBQ & Feed Lot for generously providing all of the food for this event, and to Loudon Parks & Recreation for allowing us to use the facility. Your generosity and support helped make this event possible, and we are incredibly grateful.

We would also like to thank the Loudon Police Department and Lenoir City Police Department for covering calls for service so our on-duty deputies could attend. Additionally, thank you to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for assisting at the Loudon County Correctional Facility, allowing our corrections staff the opportunity to come together. We are thankful for the strong partnerships and support from our law enforcement family and community partners.

05/15/2026

NEW PARTNERSHIP TO HELP KEEP LOUDON COUNTY SAFE

The Loudon County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce our new partnership with East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers provides our community with a safe and anonymous way to report information about crimes, wanted persons, drug activity, and other suspicious or criminal behavior. This partnership gives citizens another valuable tool to help law enforcement solve crimes and keep our communities safe.

One of the biggest benefits of Crime Stoppers is anonymity. Tipsters are never required to provide their name and can remain completely anonymous when submitting information. In many cases, tips that lead to an arrest or significant case development may qualify for a cash reward.

We know our community is our greatest partner in public safety, and many times, one piece of information can make all the difference. If you see something suspicious or have information about criminal activity, we encourage you to speak up. Together, we can continue making Loudon County a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.