KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Knox County Sheriff’s Office officials will continue to keep the unit number of fallen deputy Tucker Blakely retired, Sheriff Tom Spangler said on Saturday.
The department originally retired the number, Echo-19, in 2023. However, Spangler recently discovered that officials had reassigned the number to patrol during its first night back in rotation for echo shift. He said he is now investigating how this occurred.
“Let me be clear—so long as I remain Sheriff, that decision will not change. ‘Echo-19’ will remain retired in honor of Tucker Blakely,” Spangler said.
Blakely died after he was shot while responding to a domestic call in the Hardin Valley area in October 2023.
“I sincerely apologize to the Blakely family for any pain this may have caused,” said Spangler. “We will ensure Tucker’s legacy is respected and properly honored at all times.”
Blakely’s widow recently filed a motion in a wrongful death lawsuit, asking the court to ensure the insurance company pays what it is obligated to.