Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch named Joseph Sheppard the 2017 Explorer of the Year for the Knoxville Police Department.

Explorer Sheppard has been with the KPD Explorer Post since September 2015 when he began the Basic Explorer Academy.  During his time in the program, Joseph’s hard work and dedication have allowed him the opportunity to advance through the ranks of the program.  While in the Basic Explorer Academy, he was elected as his class president, serving well in that position. 

In less than a year of completing the basic training, he was promoted to the position of Squad Leader, where he is still assigned.  He stepped into this leadership position without hesitation and has performed very well. He sets a good example for the other explorers, is punctual in his duties, is respectful and disciplined, and has never been counseled.  Explorer Sheppard is pro-active and seeks out opportunities to not only increase his work and exposure to law enforcement but also to better the Explorer Unit. 

Explorer Sheppard is also a member of the Young Marines program where he was named the 2017 Young Marine of the Year for his Regiment. 

In 2017, Explorer Sheppard donated almost 280 hours to the Knoxville Police Department and the community.  This does not count the time away from the department spent contacting and coordinating with the other members of the Explorer Unit.  These hours are a result of working 56 of the 66 activities that the post participated in during 2017; the most of any explorer member. 

Chief Rausch said, “Thank you, Explorer Sheppard, for your outstanding performance and dedication to the department and the citizens of Knoxville.”