He has worked in almost every position at KCSO, including being the first Control Room Operator at the Knox County Jail, when it opened in September 1979.
Chief Bernie Lyon celebrated his 40th anniversary with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office on September 17, 2019! He’s a graduate of South 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 was a family affair. He was blessed to have served beside his father, Chaplain Gale Lyon, and his brothers, Chief Keith Lyon and Chaplain Leland Lyon.
Bernie is the proud father of his son, Taylor.
Dedicated to providing public safety and protection to all citizens of Knox County, priding ourselves on the quality of law enforcement as well the professionalism of our employees.
The men and women of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office are dedicated to enforcing the law and protecting the public. This agency has demonstrated the professionalism and expertise to help guide the community as it continues its remarkable growth.
Serving 470,313 civilians in Knox County, TN
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.