Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch named Officer Sergio Marrero the March 2017 Officer of the Month.  Officer Marrero has been with KPD since June 2006.

On March 31, 2017, at approximately 2:35 p.m., Officer Sergio Marrero responded to a person needing medical attention on the bridge at Oak Avenue near Blackstock Avenue that crosses above several railroad tracks.  The original call was for a person needing possible medical attention, but upon arrival the individual had both legs over the railing of the bridge and intended to jump from the bridge in order to take his own life.  Officer Marrero immediately made contact with the subject, assessed the situation, and began trying to gain a rapport with the male.  Even though the subject was complaining of several issues including anxiety and panic attacks, seizures, thoughts of persecution, and job frustrations, Officer Marrero was able to gain his trust and successfully talk him down off of the railing.  Officer Marrero even got the subject to willingly go with a medic crew to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Chief Rausch said, “Officer Marrero responded to a situation where a man’s life literally teetered on the brink, and by treating him with dignity and compassion, was able to prevent him from taking his own life and to seek professional help.  Officer Marrero could have simply waited for the crisis negotiators that had been dispatched, but recognizing that immediate intervention was necessary he stepped up and handled the situation.”

We congratulate Officer Marrero on a job well done.


Click here to view a listing of KPD award winners.