Central Business District Lieutenant Jeff Pappas (shown far left with Sgt. Sean Hejna, center, and Officer Fred Kimber during the 2020 Veterans Day ceremony) has played an invaluable role at the Knoxville Police Department, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the department’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Coordinator, Lt. Pappas was also tapped to serve as KPD's COVID-19 Coordinator. In that capacity, Lt. Pappas acts as the liaison between the Knox County Health Department and other agencies to gather and disseminate critical information and ensure that the KPD is taking the appropriate precautions to safeguard its employees and the public. Despite the surge of information and rapid changes brought on by the COVID-19 situation both locally and nationally, Lt. Pappas has worked tirelessly to collect and provide clear and concise communication. 

Lt. Pappas joined KPD in January 1994 following a distinguished six-year stint with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2002 and later promoted to Lieutenant in 2006. He has received numerous commendations both from the public and the department, including the 2001 KPD Officer of the Year recognition. Lt. Pappas was also recognized as the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Officer of the Year in 2002. 

The KPD is eternally grateful to Lt. Pappas for his dedicated service to our department, community and country.