Knox County Sheriff's Office

Knoxville, TN

Tom Spangler, Sheriff

Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon

He has worked in almost every position at the KCSO, including being the first Control Room Operator at the Knox County Jail, when it opened in September 1979.

Chief Bernie Lyon celebrated his 40^th anniversary with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office on September 17, 2019! He is a graduate of Doyle High School and Walter’s State Community College. He graduated with his POST Certification from Donaldson Police Academy in 1981 and the FBI National Academy in 1990. He was the 1989 KCSO Officer of the year.

For Chief Lyon, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office is a family affair. He was blessed to have served beside his brother, Chief Keith Lyon, and father, Chaplain Gale Lyon, before their much too soon passing, and currently with his brother, Chaplain Leland Lyon. Chief Lyon is married to his wife, Wendy and has a son, Taylor.

Chief Lyon would love to hear from you

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.