The Knoxville Police Department and the Knoxville community are mourning the profound loss of Lieutenant Gordon Gwathney, a deeply respected and beloved member of the department whose life was dedicated to service, mentorship, and community connection. Gwathney, 57, passed away on Sunday morning following a tragic drowning accident while on a hunting trip near Woodworth, North Dakota.
“This is an incomprehensible loss for our agency and the entire Knoxville community,” said Chief of Police Paul Noel. “Gordon was beloved by our department and so many members of our community. He was a truly exceptional police officer who mentored generations of officers, dedicated his entire life to service, and embodied the true spirit of community policing. We are completely devastated by his passing and ask the community to lift his family, the members of our department, and all who loved Gordon up in prayer.”
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon also shared heartfelt words, emphasizing the deep personal connection Lt. Gwathney fostered over the years.
“Gordon Gwathney will always be remembered first and foremost as ‘Officer G,’ the friendly, accessible, caring officer who took the time to really get to know the people he was entrusted to serve and protect,” she said. “His commitment to listening and earning the trust of the community was exceptional. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and co-workers as we grieve his untimely death.”
A Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Compassion
Lt. Gwathney began his career with the Knoxville Police Department in 1997, rising to the rank of Sergeant in 2003 and Lieutenant in 2010. Known affectionately as “Officer G” throughout East Knoxville, he dedicated nearly his entire career to patrol work, where he believed relationships were built and lives were changed.
Early in his tenure, Gwathney became the first-ever School Resource Officer at Austin-East High School, a role in which he formed countless lifelong bonds with students, families, and educators. His presence in the hallways and classrooms left a mark on an entire generation of young people who lovingly remember him as steady, kind, approachable, and genuine.
His outstanding service was recognized when he was named KPD Officer of the Year in 2013, and he was nominated for the honor again in 2019.
Before answering the call to serve his city, Gwathney first served his country. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he completed a deployment to Korea and later continued his commitment to duty as a member of the Tennessee National Guard. His dedication to service ran deep — woven into his character, leadership, and daily actions.
A Community United in Grief
The Knoxville Police Department expressed gratitude to the agencies who responded to the tragic incident, including the Carrington Fire Department, Carrington Ambulance, Stutsman County Water Rescue, the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Funeral service arrangements for Lt. Gwathney are forthcoming and will be shared with the public in the days ahead.
As the Knoxville community grieves, there is comfort in knowing that Lt. Gordon “Officer G” Gwathney’s legacy will live on — in the community he nurtured, the officers he guided, and the lives he touched with compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication.
May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forward the same spirit of kindness, connection, and service that he lived every day.
Rest in Peace, Lieutenant Gwathney.
You served with honor.
You will never be forgotten.
