Tucker Carmichael Blakely

Deputy Sheriff Tucker Blakely of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee was shot on October 1, 2023 while responding to a domestic violence call. Upon arrival at the home, he and his partner were met with gunfire from an armed subject. He was struck twice. The gunman was shot and killed by returning gunfire. Deputy Blakely was rushed to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, but could not be saved. He was put on life support to fulfill his final wish to be an organ donor. He died the next day, on October 2, 2023. At the time of his death, he was just 29 years old. He was a veteran of the United States Army.

Blakely was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and raised by his mother, Mary, and father, Tim. He had an older brother, TJ, and a younger brother, Tyler. He enjoyed playing driveway basketball and front yard football with his brothers and friends. He loved going to the beach and playing in the pool. He graduated from Powell High School in 2012. Upon graduation from East Tennessee State University, Blakely joined the US Army, serving as a reservist and combat medic until March of 2022. He received the Army Commendation Medal, the Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and other honors while serving our country.

Blakely met his future wife, Katarina (Kata), at Powell Middle School, where he was a friend of her twin sister. She caught his attention right away. When he was a Junior in High School, he asked her out. Seeing his determination to date her, she finally said yes after he asked her parents for permission. He showed that same determination and dedication to Kata throughout their entire relationship. They had one son together, Hendrik (Henny), who was born with special needs. He was told that his son would never walk, so he worked tirelessly so that his son could attend daily therapy. Today, Henny runs. Despite being told she wasn’t good enough by others, Blakely supported his wife’s dream of getting her Doctoral Degree and she supported his childhood dream of becoming a Police Officer. Blakely’s legacy was to fuel the light of others. Seeing those he loved the most succeed and break down barriers made him happiest in life.

Blakely wanted to continue his life of service and began working as a Corrections Officer. He graduated from the Knox Regional Law Enforcement Academy in November of 2021. He became a Patrol Officer assigned to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Echo Shift (Echo-19). He was on his last shift with his Echo brothers and sisters when he was shot. He had been chosen as a K-9 handler, which was his dream. His dog, Enock, was placed with him two days before his death. Posthumously, he received the Fraternal Order of Police Supreme Sacrifice Medal of Honor.

Deputy Sheriff Tucker Blakely is survived by his loving wife, Kata, his son, Henny, his parents, Mary and Tim, brothers, TJ and Tyler, and many cherished family members.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Blakely family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.