The Knoxville Community School District sent off newly promoted Sergeant Kyle Keller after his last day serving as the School Resource Officer and expressed gratitude for his nine years with the district.

There was a hallway parade held for Sergeant Keller on Friday as he walked through the school for his last time in the SRO role. The Knoxville Police Department also posted a letter to social media that Keller had written where he expressed gratitude for all of his time with the district. In part of the letter, Keller writes about when he first stepped into the SRO role. 

“Little did I know at the time what this part of my career would teach me and do for me personally and professionally. The relationship I had with the community in which I chose to live and serve since 2007 was strengthened more than I could have ever dreamed it would have.” 

Keller says he will miss everyone he got to work with.

“I’m going to miss everyone at the schools. I really am. It’s been a lot of fun. I’m going to just miss seeing the kids, and the staff I’ve gotten to know. All the community members and partners that I’ve really worked with through helmets and hotdogs and other events that we’ve done. I’m hoping that when I do see everyone out and about when I’m still working nights that we can pick up right where we left off and have good conversations.”

Keller will be replaced by Police Officer Cody Nichol, who recently accepted a promotion into the SRO role.