‘Lifelong impact’
Former FHS athlete falls in the line of duty
He was a 2013 Farragut graduate, having played football as an offensive lineman under former head coach Eddie Courtney. The news of his death was announced by BCSO Sheriff James Lee Barrong in a Facebook post.
“I am heartbroken,” Barrong wrote last Sunday. “This is devastating for his family, his shift-mates, this agency and our community. We appreciate the swift response of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and together we are working to determine how the accident happened.
“We are also thankful for the response from all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies as well as the offers for assistance from agencies across the state.”
After graduating from Farragut and The University of Tennessee, Mowery worked as a security officer at The University of Tennessee Medical Center. He then pursued his desire to become a deputy sheriff with Blount County and began his career at the BCSO in May 2020, per Berrong’s post. Mowery attended BCSO Regional Training Academy, graduating from Class 021 in October 2020, and was assigned to evening shift as a Patrol Deputy.
In December 2021, he earned a coveted spot on the sheriff’s SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team, where he continued to serve until his death.
According to his obituary, one of Mowery’s career highlights was being deputized as a member of the U.S. Marshals Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force.
“Please pray for Deputy Mowery’s family, and pray for our deputies,” Sheriff Berrong said.
When he was not working in a job that friends dubbed “his calling in life,” Mowery loved fishing and duck hunting with friends or his beloved chocolate lab, Ruger.
One of Mowery’s best friends, 2013 Farragut graduate Brett Dockery, called Mowery “a special human being,” adding he “touched so many people throughout his life and would put a smile on your face no matter what.”
Mowery lived up to that at FHS, where he was a beloved member of the football team’s leadership council. He also worked as the team’s center during his senior season.
“He was a great kid and a great student,” Farragut Athletic Director Donald Dodgen said. “Great for our community. He will certainly be missed.”
“He was a great teammate,” Courtney added. “All of the guys who have reached out
to let me know were really
torn up. He had such an outgoing personality and was a class guy.
“I actually ran into him about a year ago, and he told me he was with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. He looked great and really seemed to be happy with what he was doing.”
Dockery noted he and several other people came together Saturday night, sharing memories of Mowery through tears and laughter.
“It’s a long road ahead for a lot of people,” Dockery said. “But it’s been great to see the outpouring from people he touched. His impact was one I will never forget.”
