The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Marine Operations Team was restructured from KCSO Marine Patrol and KCSO SURT (Sheriff’s Underwater Recovery Team) in 2018. Originally, the two teams were founded in 1992 by then Sheriff Tim Hutchison. The Marine Patrol assists TWRA in ensuring the safety of the boaters and waterways in Knox County. Officers that make up the Marine Operations Team come from every aspect of the Sheriff’s Office from Corrections, Transportation, Aviation and Detectives. All members are trained shore technicians and most are also certified divers. Members that are POST certified officers with KCSO act as Marine Enforcement Officers as well. The team also has an Emergency Medical Technician that is able to respond to any medical needs of the team. The Marine Operations Team is routinely called upon for evidence and body recoveries in the waters of Knox County and surrounding counties and adjoining states.