About Bernie Lyon
Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon
Knox County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon has dedicated nearly 46 years of honorable service to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Beginning as the agency’s first Control Room Operator, he worked his way through the ranks with passion and professionalism, serving in the Corrections Division, DUI Enforcement Team, as a Narcotics Detective, Patrol Supervisor, Detectives Supervisor, Internal Affairs, and Assistant Chief Deputy.
In 2018, Sheriff Tom Spangler selected Chief Lyon to serve as his Chief Deputy. After Sheriff Spangler was overwhelmingly re‑elected in 2022, he once again called on Chief Lyon to continue serving in this key leadership role.
Chief Lyon has been recognized throughout his career for his exceptional service, including being named KCSO Officer of the Year. He attended Walter’s State Community College, graduated from the Donaldson Police Academy, and completed the FBI National Academy, in 1991, where he earned his POST Certification.
Public safety and service run deep in his family. Chief Lyon was blessed to serve alongside his father, Chaplain Gale Lyon, his late brother, Chief Keith Lyon, and his brother, Chaplain Leland Lyon. He is also a proud father to his son, Taylor.
Chief Deputy Lyon’s leadership, integrity, and steadfast commitment to his colleagues and community are hallmarks of a career that has strengthened the Sheriff’s Office and protected the citizens of Knox County for more than four decades.
About Bernie Lyon
Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon
Knox County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon has dedicated nearly 46 years of honorable service to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Beginning as the agency’s first Control Room Operator, he worked his way through the ranks with passion and professionalism, serving in the Corrections Division, DUI Enforcement Team, as a Narcotics Detective, Patrol Supervisor, Detectives Supervisor, Internal Affairs, and Assistant Chief Deputy.
In 2018, Sheriff Tom Spangler selected Chief Lyon to serve as his Chief Deputy. After Sheriff Spangler was overwhelmingly re‑elected in 2022, he once again called on Chief Lyon to continue serving in this key leadership role.
Chief Lyon has been recognized throughout his career for his exceptional service, including being named KCSO Officer of the Year. He attended Walter’s State Community College, graduated from the Donaldson Police Academy, and completed the FBI National Academy, in 1991, where he earned his POST Certification.
Public safety and service run deep in his family. Chief Lyon was blessed to serve alongside his father, Chaplain Gale Lyon, his late brother, Chief Keith Lyon, and his brother, Chaplain Leland Lyon. He is also a proud father to his son, Taylor.
Chief Deputy Lyon’s leadership, integrity, and steadfast commitment to his colleagues and community are hallmarks of a career that has strengthened the Sheriff’s Office and protected the citizens of Knox County for more than four decades.
Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon
Donate to the Campaign
Bernie Lyon wants to protect the people of Knox County and preserve our values. Please help our campaign by generously donating what you can.
You may scan the “QR Code” to securely donate through Venmo.
Please mail checks to: “Bernie Lyon for Sheriff” P.O. Box 522, Knoxville, TN 37901
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News and Events
Merry Christmas!
I am truly honored and humbled, not only by the incredible volunteers who helped make the Karns, Powell, and Gibbs parades such a success, but by the overwhelming outpouring of support from those communities.
Meet and Greets
From being Sheriff Spangler's current Chief Deputy for his past two terms (8 years), I know that strong law enforcement starts with strong community connections. That’s why we are out visiting local businesses across Knox County, listening, learning, and building relationships that keep our neighborhoods safe, starting with you.
Stronger Together
I am thrilled to announce that I have chosen Aaron Yarnell as my Chief Deputy and running mate!
Sign Requests are Live!!
Thanks for the sign locations! We appreciate your support, it means the world to us.
Campaign Kickoff event with Lyon Pride!
We kicked off our Bernie for Knox County Sheriff 2026 campaign last night with family and friends at the Bearden Banquet hall!
Campaign Kickoff Event Scheduled
Sheriff Tom Spangler invites you to the campaign kickoff for Bernie Lyon.
Bernie Lyon Announces Run for Knox County Sheriff
Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon of the Knox County Sheriff's Department announces his candidacy for 2026!