Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch today named Officer Joshua Dykes the 2015 Officer of the Year for the Knoxville Police Department.  Officer Dykes has been with KPD since August 2005.

On an extremely cold January 2015 day, Officer Dykes responded to Scott Avenue to conduct a welfare check on an elderly citizen.  Officer Dykes discovered the woman had no utilities or food in her home.  Officer Dykes located her family members but was told they had no way to help her.  Officer Dykes immediately went to a nearby store and purchased food for her and her pets.  After delivering the food he reached out to KUB and informed them of her dire situation and requested their assistance.  Her utility service was restored, which enabled her to remain in her home.  Officer Dykes has continued to regularly check on the woman throughout the year.

In October Officer Dykes was on patrol when he heard a woman in distress.  He quickly responded to her pleas for assistance where he found her 2-year-old child in the midst of a seizure.  Officer Dykes summoned medical personnel and immediately began administering first aid.  The child was revived and transported to the hospital where he made a full recovery.

In November Officer Dykes was eating breakfast in a Cracker Barrel restaurant when he noticed a male in distress.  The male was choking on food.  Officer Dykes administered six thrusts of the Heimlich maneuver, which dislodged the food and saved the life of the male.  

Chief Rausch said, “In addition to helping citizens in need, Joshua has facilitated numerous significant arrests throughout the year.”

In April Officer Dykes assisted investigators with the apprehension of two forgery and fraud suspects.  The suspects were charged with multiple counts of fraud and felony theft.  

Also in April Officer Dykes observed a working house fire on Gibbs Drive.  While firefighters were working to put the fire out, Officer Dykes gathered information and coordinated efforts with arson investigators that led to the immediate arrest of an aggravated arson suspect.  

In October Officer Dykes responded to a home burglary in progress call at a residence on Creekwood Drive.  Two suspects were taken into custody and charged with aggravated burglary.  The stolen items were returned to the victim.  

In December the East District organized a special unit to address property crimes.  Officer Dykes was instrumental to the successful start of the program.  He coordinated with the Criminal Investigations Division, established effective communication with the Parole and Probation Office, and worked with the department’s Crime Analysis Unit to identify and track multiple property offenders.  Within just a few days Officer Dykes made the first arrest for the new unit.  The suspect was wanted for felony criminal simulation, forgery and multiple home burglaries.  At the time of the arrest other known property offenders were located and arrested and a large amount of stolen property was recovered.  

Chief Rausch said, “Since the inception of the program Joshua has captured individuals wanted for burglaries, armed robberies, and even an aggravated rape.  His efforts are invaluable to his squad, the district, the department and the city.  Congratulations Joshua on an outstanding job.” 

Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.