Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
When the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) reached out to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO), asking if they knew anyone who worked at the agency who would be deserving of a Lifetime Achievement Award, one man's name came to mind in an instant. Rick Knowles has worked for the JCSO for the last 42 years, and Sheriff Mac McNeill did not hesitate to nominate him to receive this high honor. Knowles was presented with this award on Friday, March 24, in the company of JCSO staff and his wife, Reathea Knowles.
“We are honored that you are a member of our agency,” said McNeill to Knowles as he presented him with the award plaque. “When the FSA contacted us, wanting someone who has put their lifetime of work into this agency, you were the first person that came to our mind. We just want to honor you for everything you've done for this agency. It is a well-deserved honor.”
“Gosh,” said Knowles, thinking back. “I've worked under four sheriffs, starting with Sheriff Scott. And the best sheriff is right here. It's been a pleasure working under your command.” He gestured to Sheriff McNeill, who humbly deflected the credit.
“I inherited a great sheriff's office from a great sheriff, who, of course, inherited it from a great sheriff,” replied McNeill. “There has been a long line of good sheriffs that have built this agency, and my goal one day is to turn it over to somebody and let them [take over the responsibility], and hopefully they'll say the same thing, that they inherited a great sheriff's office. But it can only be great for the men and women that work here and do what they do. You are a huge proponent of what has made this office what it is today.”
After the small ceremony was completed, Knowles reminisced about his long career at the JCSO, recalling specific details with the help of his wife. Reathea mentioned that the two had been married for 43 years, 42 of which her husband has been employed at the sheriff's office for. While he officially retired in April of last year, Knowles has come back on a part-time, as-needed basis, sharing his wealth of institutional knowledge of the corrections field. The administrative staff at the JCSO fondly describe him as an “irreplaceable” member of their team.
The majority of his 42 year career was spent working as a Jail Administrator, but Knowles has a long list of additional job duties and responsibilities that he has undertaken through the years. Among these, Knowles started the very first K-9 unit associated with the sheriff's office while serving under Sheriff Ken Fortune, and also worked diligently to change laws through the Sheriffs Association to change rules and conditions at the jail.
“It's been an adventure,” says Knowles, who recalls working at the old jail across from the Fire Department back in the 70s, before the agency was moved to the “new jail” in 1998, where the JCSO still functions today. He tells stories about the thrill of flying in airplanes and wading through ground swamp during the early years of his career, looking for drugs. This included a search that ended in finding a nest of yellow jackets!
“I was here before '911,'” he stated, proudly, adding that anyone who wanted to reach the sheriff's office back then had to dial the full telephone number to be connected with emergency assistance. “I remember when the biggest technological advancements were teletype and intercity radio. It has been a great experience. I've met a lot of good people across the state of Florida. I couldn't have done this without my family; you gotta have a strong support network in this field, and I had that.”
In conclusion, Knowles shared a final sentiment. “I will always be here for the sheriff; I have spent a lifetime dedicated to this county, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.”
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