Knoxville Police Sergeant Kyle Keller is stepping away from the department after 16 years of service. 

Keller began his law enforcement career with the Knoxville Police Department in April of 2007. That same year, he graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) with the 219th Class. Since that time, he has served the community as a patrol officer, narcotics detective, active threat instructor, and for the past nine years as the school resource officer (SRO) before he was recently promoted to Sergeant. Internally, Keller served the department as a field training officer, defensive tactics instructor, evidence technician, and reserve police department liaison.

Keller was recently approached by Hy-Vee about a job opportunity and accepted a role as Assistant Director of Supply Chain Security. Keller released a statement to KNIA/KRLS radio about his new role and what his time with the Knoxville Police Department meant to him.

“Recently I was approached by Hy-Vee regarding a possible job opportunity.  For the past several weeks since that first discussion I had done research, was given a tour, and had numerous conversations with many people about the idea of leaving law enforcement work and entering the corporate security field. It started to make more sense to me quickly that this would be a positive move for me and my family. I have accepted the role as Assistant Director, Supply Chain Security with Hy-Vee.

I will truly miss working with the officers and staff at the Knoxville Police Department. I haven’t completely ruled out returning as a reserve police officer to try and keep my law enforcement certification active. My family and I will still live in Knoxville, where I will get to enjoy seeing everyone in the community including my family at the police department. This decision to leave didn’t come lightly and it wasn’t because I was unhappy at the police department. I envisioned staying for a lengthy career and retiring a much older person than I am now. 

Thank you to the city of Knoxville for giving me the opportunity nearly 17 years ago to start in this rewarding career as a law enforcement officer. Thank you to the Knoxville Police Department and members who have helped me along the way to become a better officer and leader. I look forward to where this city, community, school district, and police department will go in the near future. Let’s stay positive and move forward with progress Knoxville!  #IChooseKnoxville – I have for the last 16 years and will continue, this is home.”

Knoxville Police Chief Aaron Fuller says that Keller was a great officer for the last 16 years and he appreciates all that he has done for the community. Keller’s last shift with the Knoxville Police was Thursday night.