KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Sheriff of Knox County, Tom Spangler, said on Tuesday that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and would need to step away from community events while navigating treatment. However, he said he would continue working at the sheriff's office.
"When I ran for Sheriff in 2018, I vowed to be transparent. Today, I am honoring my word with some difficult news. I learned late last week that I have pancreatic cancer. Although this news shocked me and my family, both blood and blue, it didn't take The Lord by surprise. I take comfort that he is in control," he said in a press release.
He said in order to protect his immune system, he would need to avoid community events while being treated — events he said he would otherwise attend.
"As many of you know, I love being involved in the community," he said in the release. "Missing community events will be difficult, but I understand it is crucial!"
He said that the cancer was caught early and his prognosis is "excellent." He also said he does not expect the day-to-day operations of the Knox County Sheriff's Office to be disrupted due to the diagnosis.
Spangler was elected as Sheriff in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. Before becoming sheriff, he was a chief deputy for KCSO before retiring in 2009. After a brief period, he became assistant chief of training for the Blount County Sheriff's Office, before resigning from that position and running for Knox County Sheriff.
A few months ago, he spoke at the funeral of a fallen deputy — Tucker Blakely. At around the same time that Blakely was fatally shot, Spangler's mother passed away. During the funeral, he described Blakely's family as his own.
"Although I am the Sheriff and unwaveringly committed to the citizens of Knox County and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, I am also a husband, dad, and pawpaw. On behalf of my wife, girls, and grandkids, I ask for privacy while we navigate this season. I covet your prayers, and as always, I am honored to serve as your Sheriff," he said in the release.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs also released a statement about Spangler's diagnosis. It is available below.
“It's an honor to serve alongside Tom Spangler. Tom is a friend and he's a great sheriff. I ask everyone to join Crystal and me in keeping Tom, his family, and everyone at the Knox County Sheriff's Office in our prayers. “