The Knoxville Police Department is sad to announce that retired Deputy Chief and former Knox County Emergency Communications Executive Director James “Bob” Coker has passed away.
Coker was 72.
Coker began his career with the Knoxville Police Department in 1969. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1973 then to Lieutenant in 1975. In 1992 Coker was promoted to Captain. Only four years later, Coker was appointed Deputy Chief. Coker served as Deputy Chief until he retired in 2003.
In 2006 Coker was hired as the Executive Director for the Knox County Emergency Communications District where he held that post for 10 years.