Kern County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Saturday, October 6, 1945
Add to My HeroesHoward Hamilton Knott
Chief Deputy Knott was killed in a flash flood while en route to serve papers in Inyokern. He had stopped briefly in Keene to advise its residents that a flash flood warning had been issued and that they should move to higher ground.
While speaking with residents in a local diner a flash flood struck and wiped away part of the building. Chief Deputy Knott was able to rescue two citizens before being caught in the flood. His body was recovered the following day approximately one mile from the diner.
Chief Deputy Knott had served with the agency for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 56
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Weather/Natural disaster
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsChief Deputy Knott,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Kern County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 6, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026

