KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville Police Department Lieutenant Gordan Gwathney drowned on a hunting trip Sunday morning, KPD said.
Gwathney, 57, died in Woodworth, North Dakota. A Sevier County native, he had served with KPD since 1997 and achieved the rank of Lieutenant in 2010.
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“This is an incomprehensible loss for our agency and the entire Knoxville community,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “Gordon was beloved by our department and so many members of our community. He was a truly exceptional police officer who mentored generations of officers, dedicated his entire life to service and embodied the true spirit of community policing. We are completely devastated by his passing and ask the community to lift his family, the members of our department and all who loved Gordon up in prayer.”
Gwathney was named KPD’s officer of the year in 2013. He was nominated for the award again in 2019. Before joining KPD, he served in the U.S. Army…