Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch named Officer James Gadd the August Officer of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Officer Gadd has been with KPD since March 1995.

Chief Rausch said that on August 10, 2014, at approximately 6:18 p.m., Officer Gadd was conducting routine patrols when a vehicle in front of him abruptly turned into a driveway at a residence in the 5500 block of Sevierville Pike. Being aware of the residences on his beat, Officer Gadd knew the vehicle did not belong at that residence. Officer Gadd pulled down the street where he parked his patrol car out of site. Officer Gadd then took up a position along a tree line where he could observe the activity of the occupants of the suspicious vehicle. One male approached the front door of the residence while the second male stood as a lookout. Officer Gadd then observed the male begin kicking in the door of the residence. 

Chief Rausch said, "Officer Gadd immediately engaged the suspects. One male fled on foot while the second male attempted to get back into his vehicle. That suspect was taken into custody without incident."

Officer Gadd then organized responding officers to set up a perimeter to aid in the search for the second suspect. That suspect was apprehended without incident. Both suspects were charged with Attempted Burglary. 

Chief Rausch said, "Officer Gadd demonstrated a sense of responsibility for the community, which he patrols as well as a personal interest in his beat. This was a textbook example of an officer knowing the citizens that live within it. The safety and security of the entire community was and is the primary focus of Officer Gadd."



Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.