KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Knox County Sheriff’s Office’s Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon has died after spending nearly two weeks in the hospital, Sheriff Tom Spangler said Monday morning.
At 3:20 a.m., Spangler released a statement confirming Lyon’s death. Lyon served the county for 46 years and had been chief deputy since 2018. Spangler said Lyon was both a trusted advisory, a true friend and a brother.
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“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,” Spangler wrote. “Our Knox County Sheriff’s Office family has lost a true leader, mentor, and brother.”
Lyon’s death comes following nearly two weeks of treatment in the hospital. On December 11, the sheriff’s office said Lyon was receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. KCSO later released that Lyon had made minor improvements but was still in critical condition. On December 16, a sheriff’s office spokesperson announced that Lyon was awake and following simple commands.
Following Spangler’s announcement a procession escorted Lyon’s body to Mynatt Funeral Home in Powell…