Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch today named Lt. Gordon Gwathney the February Officer of the Month.  Lt. Gwathney has been with the department since January 1997.

For decades, East Knoxville has been a unique challenge for the Knoxville Police Department due to socioeconomic challenges, crime issues, and a general distrust between the police and some residents in the community.  During that time, Lt. Gwathney has been on the front lines and has worked diligently to restore trust between our agency and the citizens.  Due to his assignment as a School Resource Officer for Austin East High School and his patrol assignments in the East District, Gordon has been able to establish himself as an ambassador for the department.

On February 7, 2016, Lt. Gwathney embraced yet another opportunity to bolster the image of KPD in a local housing development.  Without being asked, Gordon sponsored his third card tournament within eight months at the Lee Williams Center in Walter P. Taylor Homes.  Once again Gordon donated his own money for gift cards to be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.  

Chief Rausch said, “This is a great example for other members of the police department and underscores our efforts to have officers get involved in the communities we serve.  Thank you Lt Gwathney on a job well done.”