A close-knit family has brought their extensive background in law enforcement and military service to protect and serve the students and staff of Knox County Schools.
Richard McNutt Jr. joined the KCS Security Division last year, and this year, his father Richard McNutt Sr. and brother Ryan McNutt also joined the team.
The McNutts’ path to KCS Security is deeply rooted in a tradition of military and law enforcement service.
Richard Sr. worked in law enforcement at the Y-12 nuclear facility for nearly 30 years. This environment influenced his sons, leading Richard Jr. to join the Marine Corps, Ryan to the Army, and their youngest brother to the Air Force.
“Seeing him every day like that definitely pushed us to want to do something similar,” Ryan McNutt said. “We’ve always done something like this, not your typical 9 to 5, but we absolutely love it.”
This legacy of service is a source of immense pride for the McNutt family, driving them to continue contributing to their community in significant ways.
The family’s journey through an extensive nine-week training academy was a unique and rewarding experience. Richard Sr. and Ryan trained together, fostering a competitive yet supportive atmosphere.
Richard Sr. noted the joy of sharing classes with his son, emphasizing the sentimental feeling of witnessing his dedication and growth firsthand.
“It was just a thrill each day,” Richard Sr. said. “I got a little emotional at times. I would look over and think, ‘Wow, I’m in school with my kid.’”
Of course, there is a natural element of competition between the officer candidates, which is heightened even more between the family.
“We’re both already very competitive dudes,” Ryan said, laughing. “You add to it that we’re related. It made everything so much worse in the best way.”
The KCS Security Division Class of 2024-01 graduated on Friday, July 26, with a special surprise in store for the McNutts.
Richard Sr. was honored with the prestigious Russell Kocur Leadership Award, a recognition presented to him by last year’s recipient, Richard Jr.
The Kocur Award is highly esteemed within the Division, and recipients are chosen based on their exemplary leadership qualities and dedication.
“A lot of people in our organization know it’s an honor to get that award, and no one knows who is receiving it until the name is called,” Richard Sr. said. “To have my son present it to me was amazing and so special.”
As they embark on the new school year, each McNutt is stationed at a different school: Richard Jr. at Farragut High School, Richard Sr. at West High School, and Ryan at Holston Middle School.
The new officers look forward to building connections with students and ensuring a safe learning environment.
“I’m just thrilled to see the kids and thrilled to see what they’ve been doing all summer,” Ryan said. “I also can’t wait for the kids who are really into some type of extracurricular activity. I love seeing kids excited about things they love to do. I just want to sit there and talk to them about it.”
The McNutts’ commitment to service is not just a job but a family legacy. Their presence in the KCS Security Division is a testament to their dedication to making a positive impact on their community, ensuring that every student feels safe and supported.
As Richard Sr. aptly put it, “You can count on the McNutts to be there.”
Success for Every Student
Knox County Schools is dedicated to Success for Every Student. All students have unique abilities, needs, personalities, and ambitions. KCS is committed to equipping every student with the individualized services, interventions, resources, and supports needed to succeed – no matter their zip code, culture, or financial resources.