Blaze's Bridge

04/27/2026

I’m truly honored and humbled to have the endorsement of Sheriff Tom Spangler.

Sheriff Spangler has dedicated his career to serving the people of Knox County with integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to public safety. To have his trust and support means more to me than words can fully express.

This campaign has always been about our community, about keeping our neighborhoods safe, supporting the men and women who serve, and continuing to build on the strong foundation already in place.

I’m grateful for this endorsement, and I’m ready to continue working hard to earn the trust and support of every family across Knox County.

If you believe in experienced leadership and a safer community, I’d be honored to have your support.

Early Voting April 15 - April 30
Election Day May 5

David Amburn for Knox County Sheriff

04/27/2026

Our children deserve to feel safe the moment they walk through the doors of their school, and parents deserve peace of mind knowing they are protected.

School safety is one of my top priorities. 70% of violent encounters at schools occur in 5 minutes or less. Having a Knox County deputy inside every Knox County school is a promise I will work relentlessly to fulfill in my first 120 days in office. I will also develop quick-response SWAT teams to respond directly to school threats. Sheriff Tom Spangler started this mission, and I am thankful for his endorsement and his faith in my abilities to finish it!

Parents, grandparents, and teachers, what does school safety mean to you and your family? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

Early Voting ends April 30th
Election Day May 5th

Vote early! Vote Amburn!

-David Amburn

04/14/2026

03/16/2026

If you have a few minutes, I’d invite you to listen to this conversation.

Thank you to Hallerin Hilton Hill for the opportunity to join him on his radio show yesterday. We had a great discussion about public safety in Knox County, my 34 years of experience serving our community through the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and my vision for continuing to keep our neighborhoods safe.

I appreciate the opportunity to share why experience, leadership, and a commitment to the community matter when choosing the next Knox County Sheriff.

You can listen to the full interview here:
https://omny.fm/shows/the-hal-show-podcast/hhh-show-031026-hour-2-knox-county-sheriff-candidate-david-amburn-joins-the-show

David Amburn for Knox County Sheriff


Hallerin Hilton Hill Show

02/19/2026

To the citizens of Knox County,

I want to take a moment to address the recent joint statement released regarding the upcoming sheriff’s forum hosted by Back the Blue Events Community East TN.

Our decision to participate was based on the understanding that this would be an opportunity for voters to hear directly from all candidates, ask questions, and make an informed decision about the future leadership of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. To be clear, we were the last candidate to agree to attend this forum, as the event was created prior to announcing my candidacy. We were aware that the other candidates had already committed to attend, and we believed it was important to be present in a setting that allowed open dialogue with the community.

At no point were we consulted by the other campaigns regarding concerns about the venue, moderator, or format, nor were we approached about the possibility of working together to make adjustments that would ensure comfort and fairness for all involved. Had that conversation taken place, we would have been fully supportive of exploring alternative options to maintain a neutral environment.

This process should always be about providing transparency and access for the voters of Knox County. My focus remains, as it has throughout my 34 consecutive years of service, on listening to our community, answering questions, and earning your trust through openness and accountability.

I remain committed to participating in forums and discussions that allow the citizens of Knox County to hear from every candidate and engage in the issues that matter most to them.

Respectfully,
David Amburn

02/19/2026

Having the endorsement of Taylor Lyon means more to me than I can ever adequately put into words.

I’ve known Taylor since the day he was born, and his dad has been one of my best friends for nearly forty years. The sole reason I became a cop was Bernie Lyon. He shaped my life, my career, and the way I try to lead and serve others every single day.

Bernie’s untimely passing has left so many of his lifelong friends heartbroken. At the same time, I know he died doing what he always did — caring deeply about this office, this community, and the future of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. As I said at his funeral, Bernie didn’t want the title, and he didn’t need it. He was running because he cared.

As a current Chief, I’ve reached a level in this profession that most will never see, and I am both humbled and grateful that Sheriff Spangler chose me to serve as his Chief of Detectives. I am running for Sheriff for the same reason Bernie did — because I care deeply about the men and women of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the great citizens we serve.

Every endorsement I’ve received over the past three and a half weeks has meant the world to me, and this entire experience has been the most humbling of my life. But having T’s love, support, and endorsement means the most to me of all.

I love him like my own son, and he knows that no matter the outcome of this race, I will always be here for him, just like his dad would expect.

02/18/2026