KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The Knoxville Police Department has promoted 13 veteran officers into new leadership positions, including one captain, four lieutenants and eight sergeants, strengthening the department’s command and patrol ranks.
The promotions became effective on June 28 and will be formally recognized during a ceremony at 4 p.m. on July 9 at Sevier Heights Church.
Minner Promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Adam Minner was selected for promotion to captain and will assume command of the Field Operations Bureau’s Special Services Division. The division oversees the department’s Real Time Information Center, special events coordination and Homeland Security operations.
Minner joined KPD in January 2009 and has served in a variety of assignments throughout his career, including patrol officer, patrol supervisor, executive officer to Chief Paul Noel and most recently as Training Director.
Chief Paul Noel praised Minner’s leadership and contributions to the department.
“Captain Minner has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, attention to detail and a commitment to innovation,” Noel said. “His success as our training director has prepared him well for this next chapter as Captain of the Special Services Division.”
Four Officers Promoted to Lieutenant
Four KPD sergeants were promoted to lieutenant and will oversee patrol squads across the city:
- Brian Baldwin, a KPD officer since 2005, previously supervised the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and served as a K-9 officer.
- Michael Cooper, who joined KPD in 2008, most recently supervised the Forensics Unit and previously served as East District Staff Sergeant.
- Michael Rupe, a department veteran since 2002, recently served in the Violent Crimes Unit and previously supervised the Community Engagement Response Team.
- Bill Thompson, who joined KPD in 2010, most recently supervised the Real Time Information Center and previously worked in Forensics.
Eight Officers Earn Sergeant Promotions
Eight officers were promoted to the rank of sergeant and will supervise patrol squads:
- Floyd Fox
- Andrew Keith
- Tim Walker
- Caleb Coffey
- Michael Rubino
- Dexter Rogers
- Zach Bell
- Tyler Wiggins
Fox and Walker each bring more than two decades of law enforcement experience to their new leadership assignments. Wiggins joined KPD in 2014, Coffey and Rogers were sworn in during August 2017, Bell joined the department in 2018 and Keith became an officer in 2022.
Chief Noel: Leadership Roles Shape Department’s Future
Chief Noel said the newly promoted officers have earned the opportunity through dedication and service, noting that sergeants and lieutenants play a critical role in the organization’s success.
“Each of these officers have worked hard to earn this opportunity,” Noel said. “Sergeants and Lieutenants are the most influential positions in our department, and I’m grateful to these officers for their willingness to take on the heightened expectations that come with their new positions and greater responsibility for the future of our organization.”
The promotions expand KPD’s leadership team as the department continues its focus on patrol operations, specialized investigations, training and technology-driven policing initiatives.
