Former Jefferson County sheriff and long-time TBI agent, David Davenport has passed away. His death, following a medical emergency, was confirmed by Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Coffey in an early Friday announcement. Davenport's career in law enforcement spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on East Tennessee through his involvement in high-profile investigations, reported WBIR.

Known for his dedication to law enforcement, Davenport's notable cases included the investigation of alleged serial killer Thomas D. "Zoo Man" Huskey and the infamous Redhead Murders. He was frequently recognized for his skilled investigative work during a nearly 30-year tenure with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Farrar Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements, with services planned at their Jefferson City location, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office announced.

Alongside his investigative pursuits, Davenport also served as the sheriff of Jefferson County for 12 years and was an Air Force veteran. His leadership style earned him respect and fondness from colleagues, with Lt. Tim Herzog, a member of his department, reminiscing about Davenport's trustworthy and approachable nature. "One of his big things was trust in his people, especially his employees. But he was also just a people person, he was a guy you could talk to easily," Lt. Herzog told WATE in a recent interview. Herzog, whose father served as chief deputy under Davenport, also noted his former boss's equitable treatment of all employees.

The loss of Davenport has left a gap in the fabric of the community he served, with many mourning the passing of a man remembered for his integrity, his open-door philosophy, and his profound impact on law enforcement in the region. The news of his passing was shared by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office via Facebook, reflecting on his extensive career and dedication to public service, WVLT reported.