Knox County is heading into a pivotal election year, and the race for Sheriff stands out as one of the most important local contests. With incumbent Sheriff Tom Spangler term-limited, several experienced candidates are vying for the Republican nomination in the May primary — a race that will likely decide who leads the county’s largest law enforcement agency and manages its jail operations.
In Episode 205 of The Brian Hornback Experience, host Brian Hornback sits down with David Amburn, Chief of Detectives at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and a longtime public servant with over 34 years of experience in the department. Watch the full episode here.
Who is David Amburn?
Born and raised in West Knox County, Amburn graduated from Farragut High School in 1985 and began his career with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in 1992 as a correctional officer at the old Penal Farm. He steadily climbed the ranks — serving as Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain — before being promoted in 2021 to Chief of Detectives by Sheriff Tom Spangler.
Throughout his career, Amburn has gained broad hands-on experience across nearly every facet of the agency:
• Corrections
• Patrol
• Narcotics and special investigations
• Property crimes and major crimes
• Homeland security
• Fleet management
As Chief of Detectives, he currently oversees the detective division and manages a multi-million-dollar budget. Amburn describes himself as a dedicated family man and grandfather (“Pop-Pop”), motivated to keep Knox County safe for the next generation.
What to Expect in Episode 205
In this candid conversation, Brian Hornback dives deep with David Amburn on topics that matter most to Knox County residents: public safety, leadership of the Sheriff’s Office, challenges facing law enforcement today, and his vision for the future.
Listeners and viewers will hear Amburn discuss:
• His extensive insider knowledge of KCSO operations after more than three decades on the job
• Priorities for addressing violent crime, drug activity, and overdoses
• The importance of investing in deputies — better training, resources, and support to build stronger community relationships
• Managing growth in Knox County while maintaining response times and effective policing
• Views on issues like homelessness (noting that it cannot be solved through arrests alone)
• Plans for greater transparency, including regular public briefings and community meetings so residents understand how tax dollars are spent and how the office is performing
Amburn emphasizes practical, experienced leadership. He argues that as the county continues to grow, the Sheriff’s Office must scale its staffing and resources accordingly while staying rooted in community-oriented service.
Why This Race Matters
The Knox County Sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the county and oversees jail operations, commanding a staff of well over 1,000 people. With rapid development across Knoxville and surrounding areas, the next sheriff will face big questions around budget management, recruitment and retention of quality deputies, crime prevention strategies, and balancing enforcement with community trust.
David Amburn positions himself as the candidate with the deepest institutional knowledge and a proven track record of rising through the ranks. He joins a competitive Republican primary field that includes other experienced figures such as Mike Davis, Brent Gibson, and Jimmy “J.J.” Jones.
Final Thoughts from the Episode
Whether you’re a longtime Knox County resident concerned about neighborhood safety or simply want to hear directly from one of the candidates, Episode 205 offers valuable insight. Amburn comes across as steady, experienced, and deeply committed to the community he has served for his entire adult life.
Tune in to hear the full discussion and decide for yourself. Local elections like this one shape daily life more than many realize — from response times when you call for help to how tax dollars support law enforcement.
What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments after watching the episode. Who are you supporting in the Knox County Sheriff’s race, and what issues matter most to you?
Share this post with friends and neighbors in Knox County — informed voters make stronger communities.
Episode link again: Watch on YouTube
