Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch named Captain Monty Houk as the new Deputy Chief for the department. Deputy Chief Houk has been with KPD since 1989. Deputy Chief Houk is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division where he oversees the Family Crimes Unit, the Organized Crime Unit, the Forensic Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) where he also serves as the Commander of the State ICAC Task Force.

Chief Rausch said Deputy Chief Houk has been a leader on the force since graduating from the academy in 1989. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1995 and Lieutenant in 2000. In 2005, Houk was promoted to the rank of Captain where he served as the Central District Commander as well as the East District Commander. During this time Deputy Chief Houk attended and graduated from Session 220 of the FBI National Academy. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville.

Chief Rausch said, "Deputy Chief Houk is a tremendous asset to the department and to the City of Knoxville. His experience will have an immediate positive effect on the department as well as the future of the Knoxville Police Department."

"Capt. Monty Houk has an exemplary record in his 24 years of service with the Knoxville Police Department," Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero said. "He has proven his dedication to the public and his fellow officers. I look forward to working with him to ensure Knoxville continues to be a safe and livable community."

Deputy Chief Houk will be officially sworn in during a ceremony later this month. Deputy Chief Houk fills the position recently made available with the retirement of Deputy Chief Gus Paidousis. Deputy Chief Paidousis will assume the position of Chief of Security for Knox County Schools this month.