The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Officer Assistance Program is a program offered to the employees of KCSO who might be facing a hardship.Ā This program formerly known as the Officer Down Program has been revitalizedĀ over the last two years to assist all types of hardships, not just the loss of life in the line of duty.Ā Ā
This program under theĀ direction of Knox CountyĀ Sheriff Tom Spangler, has brought the community and Law Enforcement together by creating a lasting bond between those who contribute and the recipients.Ā It has been a blessing to receive contributions from businesses, individuals as well as Knox County Sheriff’s Office employees themselves.
“Over the last two years since revitalizing this much needed program, we have helped numerous KCSO employees facing hardships from in the line of duty and or death, injury, cancer, children born with medical issues, as well as COVID-19 deaths.Ā We have been able to assist with food, medical bills, mortgage payments and funeral expenses.Ā It is no secret that the pay is inadequate for the job of a law enforcement officer, however, most get into a law enforcement career to be a difference maker and to give back to their community.Ā They often survive on what we call “extra jobs”, meaning working a job when off duty at KCSO to supplement the household income.Ā Often times, an injury, illness or death in the immediate family can prevent an officer from being able to work the supplemental job.Ā That is where this fund has been a true blessing to many in our blue family.Ā Without our generous contributors/donors, this would not be possible.Ā As Sheriff, I am very grateful to our community and to everyone who has made this possible.”
āWe have been blessed by our community. It is heartwarming when individuals, as well as businesses like Knox Wholesale, see needs within our law enforcement family, and they step up to assist.
The Officer Assistance program is formerly known as the officer down the fund was dormant when I took office in September of 2018 as Knox County Sheriff. It became apparent very quickly, we had needs within our agency. Income has always been a challenge here as it was when I started as a corrections officer in 1980. Therefore, I wanted to be able to help our men and women out in times of need.
The Officer Assistance program has allowed us to do that. Weāve helped with funeral expenses, house payments, assisted in purchasing prescription formula, pay medical bills for their babies, and something as simple as providing food. It has truly been a blessing to many families within our agency. We could NOT do it alone and on behalf of our entire agency, Iām grateful for those who give and support us just as Knoxville Wholesale has so generously done in the past.ā
Tom Spangler, Sheriff
To donate, you may mail a check payable to:
The Knox County Sheriffās Office 400 Main Street Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
or contact by email:
Kimberly.glenn@KnoxSheriff.org or Allison.Rogers@KnoxSheriff.org
Houston Police Department, Texas
End of WatchĀ Monday, September 20, 2021
Lake City Police Department, South Carolina
End of WatchĀ Friday, September 17, 2021
Georgetown Police Department, Texas
End of WatchĀ Thursday, September 16, 2021
Eufaula Police Department, OK
EOW: Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Cause: Heatstroke
If you would like to contribute to the Officer Assistance Program or would like more information, please complete the form and we will be happy to get in touch with you.
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-mailĀ coldcase@knoxsheriff.org.