Posted from Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler:

It is with a broken heart that I share the news of the passing of our Chief Deputy, and my dear friend, Bernie Lyon.

I’ve had to make incredibly hard announcements as Sheriff, and to be honest, I never dreamed I would have to announce the passing of my friend, the man I chose back in 2018 to be my right hand.

Our Knox County Sheriff’s Office family has lost a true leader, mentor, and brother. Bernie was more than just our Chief Deputy, he was a cop’s cop, always willing to do the job right alongside our men and women, no matter his rank. He never asked anyone to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself.

Chief Deputy Lyon (Bernie, as he insisted on being called) spent 46 years serving this community. He dedicated his life to law enforcement and to the people of Knox County, and he did it with quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and a servant’s heart.

To me, he was not only a trusted advisor, but a true friend and brother. His impact on this office, on this community, and on all of us who had the privilege of working beside him will be felt for years to come.

Our hearts are with Bernie’s family, especially his son, Taylor, and his brother, Lee Lyon (KCSO Chaplain 3), as well as all who knew and loved him.

Please keep the Lyon family and our Knox County Sheriff’s Office family in your thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead.

Tom Spangler, Sheriff