Changes coming for LCSO top brass
Capt. Billy Knox leads a recent press conference at the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Bobby Rader has tapped Knox to oversee the department’s daily operations as the new Chief Deputy. The Vindicator | Russell Payne
LIBERTY – There have been several retirement announcements to end the year at the Liberty County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, and the most recent retirement of Chief Deputy Don Neyland is being felt.
Sheriff Bobby Rader believes that Neyland has been an integral member of the leadership team and that his time with the LCSO has been invaluable.
“It’s tough to lose somebody that, in my opinion, is a legend. He has been through four sheriffs and is a go-to for knowledge,” said Rader.
Now Rader has announced the promotion of Capt. Billy Knox to Chief Deputy, and David Meyers to Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division, the position currently held by Knox.
Rader believes that Knox was the obvious choice to be second in command at the sheriff ’s office, and his resume speaks for itself.
“ I’ve watched Capt. Knox come up through the ranks, and he has the experience and knowledge,” Rader continued, “He was my first choice for the chief job.”
Knox began his career in 2003 and joined the LCSO the following year.
During his career with the sheriff ’s office, he held the positions of patrol deputy, sergeant investigator, jail liaison, and his most recent position as CID Captain. He served as an operator and commander on the Liberty County Special Response Team (SRT).
Knox is a graduate of the Texas Christian University Ranch Management Program. Additionally, he has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton State and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Lamar University. He holds a Master Peace Officer certification with over 7,300 TCOLE hours and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (#277).
Knox will oversee the day-to-day operations at the LCSO under Rader.
“Our big goal right now is to get moved into this sheriff ’s office,” said Knox.
The new Liberty County Law Enforcement Complex has been delayed in its official opening, but according to Knox, it should be ready by February, and everyone apart from dispatch should be moved in.
Dispatch will move later as contractors complete the installation of some of the communications equipment necessary to perform their duties.
Now that Knox will be making a move to number two at the LCSO, Meyers has been tapped to fill the role of CID Captain.
According to Rader, he was selected from three very qualified candidates and brought a wealth of experience to his new role in the department.
“I think he will do a very good job as the CID Captain,” said Rader.
Meyers brings 22 years of law enforcement background to his new position and has worked in numerous aspects over his career.
He has worked with the Humble Police Department, Patton Village Police Department, and the Dayton Police Department before joining the LCSO in recent years.
He has coordinated numerous Citizens Police Academies and taught several elementary and middle school students the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) curriculum. He has reconstructed numerous Fatality Accidents and made arrests for Intoxication Assault, Intoxication Manslaughter, Fail to Stop and Render Aide (FSRA), and Murder. He was the recipient of the Officer of the Year Award in 2012.
It should be a big year for the LCSO in 2023 as both men start their new roles and join Rader and Patrol Capt. Robert Dunn on Jan. 1.
“We are looking forward to the new year,” concluded Knox.