The Knoxville Police Department announced a significant stride in its leadership echelon with the promotion of three seasoned officers to higher supervisory roles. Sergeant Michael Dabbelt was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant, and both Officers Tim Campbell and Robert Cook have ascended to the rank of Sergeant, amassing a combined tenure of over 40 years in law enforcement service, as reported by the department's official website.
Dabbelt's career with the KPD began in 2009, reaching the rank of Sergeant in 2020. His experience largely entails patrol duties, and more recently, investigative work within the Office of Professional Standards. Campbell joined the force in 2011 and has been a staple in patrol throughout his tenure, including his latest contributions to the Co-Responder Unit, where he worked in tandem with behavioral health clinicians on calls involving individuals in crisis. Cook's service commenced in 2008, advancing from patrol officer to a detective in the Special Crimes Unit in 2013, and then moving to the Violent Crimes Unit two years later before his recent role fostering the department's hiring initiatives as an internal background investigator.
In a statement obtained by Knoxville Police Department's news release, Chief Paul Noel expressed his enthusiasm for these promotions, "I am excited to promote Michael, Tim and Robert to new supervisory positions," he stated. Noel praised the officers for their steadfast dedication to the department's mission and values and voiced his certainty in their capacity to thrive in their new roles and to provide momentum for the department's progression.
Debbelt, Campbell, and Cook will now oversee Field Operations squads, with their promotions taking effect yesterday.
