Deputy Brian McKnight from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) loves his job in law enforcement so much he is on round two.  Originally hired by Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) in the late 1980s, McKnight served our neighboring communities for three decades before retiring.  But he just could not stay away from community involvement and public safety.  Five days after signing off at ACSO, he started working for DCSO.  That was in 2018.

Born and raised in Littleton, McKnight attended Colorado Mesa University.  He earned a degree in advertising art and a minor in vocal music in 1986.  A chance meeting with the Arapahoe County sheriff, after returning home after college, changed McKnight’s life trajectory.  “He offered me a job that day, and by the end of the year, I went to the academy and started my career in February 1988,” McKnight explained.

After spending 20 years as a crime prevention specialist at ACSO, McKnight was offered a position in DCSO’s community resources unit, which includes community outreach and crime prevention programs.  Additionally, McKnight has been a member of the DCSO’s planning team, which organizes events like volunteer appreciation dinners, awards ceremonies and Christmas programs.

McKnight loves to help people, solve problems and build relationships within the community – that is the best part of his job, he said.

“I do puppet shows for preschools, active threat classes for businesses and everything in between when it comes to safety and crime prevention,” McKnight added.  He is also passionate about Special Olympics Colorado and their Law Enforcement Torch Run.

McKnight has a few personal passions in addition to his professional ones.  He loves to spend time with his family: his wife of 36 years, a son who is a deputy for ACSO, a daughter, a niece who tragically lost both parents to cancer when she was a teenager, and four grandchildren.  He loves nature – camping, caving, fishing and training birds of prey.  Drawing is still a hobby for this art major.

Christmas for Kids is one of the DCSO community outreach programs under McKnight’s direction.  The annual event has helped ease holiday financial burdens for local families over the past two decades.  DCSO collects monetary donations, then shops with children, each child receiving a $100 gift card.  “Our goal is to help ease the burden of the holiday season and help ensure all Douglas County kids have a joyous holiday.  We come across people in need all year, and this is a chance to help them in a difficult time,” McKnight explained.

Only families nominated by DCSO employees are considered for the Christmas for Kids program, ensuring that DCSO has direct knowledge of the families and their situation.   Approximately 200 kids participate each year.

McKnight, in partnership with the Community Safety Volunteers of Douglas County, relishes seeing the smiling faces of children and deputies alike during the shopping experience.

The Walmart in Highlands Ranch is the designated place for DCSO deputies and kids to shop together this year.  The event will be held the middle of December.  If interested in learning more or donating, visit, https://csvadc.org/christmas-for-kids/ or scan the QR code.

 

By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Brian McKnight