Amburn kicks off campaign for Knox County Sheriff
On Tuesday, February 17, Louis’ Restaurant on Old Broadway provided the perfect backdrop for a lively meet and greet in support of candidate for Knox County Sheriff, David Amburn. Friends, supporters, longtime law enforcement colleagues, and curious first-time voters steadily filtered through the doors of the famed local landmark, creating a near-constant stream of introductions, handshakes and conversations with the candidate.
Amburn, who currently serves as chief of detectives for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Tom Spangler, greeted each visitor with the same calm, measured demeanor that has defined his 34 consecutive years in law enforcement. Many attendees remarked on his reputation for steady leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and his long-standing commitment to the people of Knox County.
His law enforcement journey began in corrections, a role that laid the foundation for a career spanning almost every operational division within the KCSO. Over the decades, Amburn has worked his way through the ranks and across divisions, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s inner workings—from the jail and patrol to investigations and administration.
Amburn’s path into law enforcement was shaped early on by a close friendship with the late Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon. The two men, as Amburn recalled in his remarks at Lyon’s funeral, shared a bond that extended over four decades. That relationship, he has often said, was instrumental in his decision to enter the profession and continues to influence his approach to leadership, mentorship and public service.
With the election season rapidly approaching, the meet and greet at Louis’ served as both a community gathering and a campaign milestone. Early voting begins on April 15 and runs through April 30, with Election Day set for May 5. Amburn will have another Meet and Greet on Monday, March 2 at Knoxville Tactical.
If the turnout and enthusiasm at Louis’ are any indication, the race for Knox County Sheriff is already capturing the full attention of voters across the county.
