Knox County
Sheriff's Office

Knox County
Sheriff's Office

OFFICER ASSISTANCE

Officer Assistance Program

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.

Sheriff Tom Spangler

“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.”

ā€œWe 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. We’ve 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, I’m 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 Sheriff’s Office 400 Main Street Knoxville, Tennessee 37902

or contact by email:
Kimberly.glenn@KnoxSheriff.org or Allison.Rogers@KnoxSheriff.org

Recent Fallen Officers

Senior Police Officer William Jeffrey

Houston Police Department, Texas

End of WatchĀ Monday, September 20, 2021

Lieutenant John Stewart

Lake City Police Department, South Carolina

End of WatchĀ Friday, September 17, 2021

Officer Michelle Gattey

Georgetown Police Department, Texas

End of WatchĀ Thursday, September 16, 2021

K-9 Tito

Eufaula Police Department, OK

EOW: Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Cause: Heatstroke

k9-tito

Officers Down Memorial

Officers Down This Month 2021

Contact

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.

Sheriff Tom Spangler

Knox County Sheriff's Office

Knoxville, TN

Tom Spangler, Sheriff