Knox County
Sheriff's Office

Aviation

Team

Our operators have gained experience through both civilian and military positions and training.

Air Support

The Knox County Sheriff's Office employs professional pilots to aid in field services. Eyes in the sky to assist with keeping Knox County safe.

Rising Above Crime

Aerial support allows for a better vantage and easy of travel for the officers. Doing so gives KCSO a tremendous advantage against criminal activities.

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KCSO AVIATION

The Aviation unit assists patrol in all enforcements functions such as pursuits, officer safety, drug bust support, marijuana eradication, special operations and search and rescue. It provides services to any surrounding counties that request help.

The unit was formed in 1996 when the Sheriff’s Office procured surplus helicopters from the military. It now has a fleet of four OH-58+ and one UH-1H (Huey). It is strictly operated by drug seizures, fines and forfeitures at little cost to taxpayers.

The helicopters have been called to assist during national disasters such as flood ravaged North Carolina when Hurricane Floyd hit the state and during Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana.

Contact the Aviation Unit

**If this is an emergency or if you are in need of police response, please call 911**

Knox County Sheriff's Office

Knoxville, TN

Tom Spangler, Sheriff

1985 Homicide of Betty Joyce Brown

On July 20, 1985 the burned body of Betty Joyce Brown,aka Simmons, was found in the woods at 3805 Maloney Road in South Knox County. The 29 year old Austin-East graduate had been stabbed before being burned. Ms. Brown was last seen on July 14, 1985 between midnight and 1:00am in front of the Bread Box at Magnolia Ave and Spruce Street. It is believed that Ms. Brown was offered and accepted a ride from an unknown subject. Ms. Brown’s last know address was 2737 Tarleton Ave. Initial investigation indicated that when Ms. Brown’s body was found, she had been dead approximately 1 week. Family members described Ms. Brown as being a “very sweet and loving mother.”

If you have any information please call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit at (865)-215-3520/3590 or e-mail coldcase@knoxsheriff.org.