05/11/2026
This week, during National Police Appreciation Week, the Knox County Sheriff's Office would like to recognize the men and women who proudly serve and protect Knox County every single day.
Thank you to Sheriff Mendoza for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to this county and the people in it.
Thank you to Chief Deputy Thrash for always answering the call, leading from the front, and standing beside your deputies and community day in and day out.
Thank you to Deputy Garza, Deputy Bush, and Deputy Baran for your hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to keeping Knox County safe.
A special thank you as well to Trooper Guthrie, Game Warden Hampel, Chief Candelaria, and Officer Blackburn for your partnership, teamwork, and commitment to serving our communities. Small towns work because law enforcement agencies stand together and Knox County is fortunate to have great officers across every department.
And of course… thank you to K-9 Max the four-legged deputy who never misses a shift, always tracks down the bad guys, and still believes he’s the real Sheriff around here. 🐾🚔
Law enforcement is more than a badge and uniform it’s missed holidays, late nights, early mornings, and putting this community before yourselves. Thank you all for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting Knox County.
If you see one of our officers this week, take a moment to tell them THANK YOU. Your support means more than you know. 🇺🇸