Knoxville, TN (WOKI / KPD) – It is with profound sadness that the Knoxville Police Department announces the tragic passing of beloved KPD Lieutenant Gordan Gwathney.
Gwathney, 57, died after drowning on Sunday morning while on a hunting trip near Woodworth, North Dakota.
“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.”
“Gordon Gwathney will always be remembered first and foremost as ‘Officer G’, the friendly, accessible, caring officer who took the time to really get to know the people he was entrusted to serve and protect,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “His commitment to listening and earning the trust of the community was exceptional. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and co-workers as we grieve his untimely death.”
Gwathney served the KPD since 1997, ascending to the rank of Sergeant in 2003 and Lieutenant in 2010. Gwathney, known endearingly as “Officer G” throughout the East Knoxville community, served virtually his entire career on patrol. Early in his career, he was assigned as the first-ever School Resource Officer at Austin-East High School, where he formed countless lasting relationships in the community.
Gwathney, a Sevier County native, was recognized as KPD’s Officer of the Year in 2013 and nominated for the award again in 2019. Prior to joining the KPD, he served his country as a member of the U.S. Army, a tenure that included a deployment to Korea, and later as a member of the Tennessee National Guard.
The KPD appreciates the support of the agencies who responded to this morning’s incident, which includes the Carrington Fire Department, Carrington Ambulance, Stutsman County Water Rescue, Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Funeral services for Lt. Gwathney have not been finalized and will be shared in the coming days.
