Robert C. "Bobby" Knowles

 

Robert C. "Bobby" Knowles, 1940-2023

Robert C. "Bobby" Knowles left this earth on Saturday, July 8. He passed away at his home in St. Lucie County, Florida. He was 82.

Sheriff Knowles dedicated his life to public service.

He was born on November 14, 1940, in Fort Pierce, Florida, the son of John Robert and Rena Sloan. He graduated from Dan McCarty High School in Fort Pierce in 1958. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University.

In high school, he played several sports and had the opportunity to play baseball in the Chicago White Sox minor league baseball organization. Instead of pursuing baseball, he enlisted in the National Guard at age 15, claiming he was 17.

After two years as a Guardsman, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served tours of duty in California, Hawaii, Okinawa and Vietnam. He was awarded numerous decorations for his service in combat and attained the rank of Master Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge.

His service included two years as a military policeman from 1959 to 1961. This was the beginning of his law enforcement career. He also served in United States Marine Corps Reserve and the United States Army Reserve. He retired from the Army Reserve in 1992 after serving in the armed forces for 32 years.

Among his numerous commendations and military honors was an Army Commendation Medal received for heroism while participating in the resettlement of Mariel boat lift Cubans at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, in 1980.

Following his service with the Marines, he returned to Fort Pierce in 1966 and served for 17 years as a lead narcotics investigator with the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office.

In 1984, he was elected Sheriff of St. Lucie County and was reelected three times, retiring in 2000.

He was the father of the modernization of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office by orchestrating the scientific, technical, and educational advancement of the agency.

In his first term, Sheriff Knowles brought to fruition the School Resource Officer program that placed deputies in county schools. He was particularly proud of this program, which was one of the first of its kind in the State of Florida. The program was recognized as the top School Resource Officer program in the state by the Florida Association of School Resource Officers and one of the leading programs in the United States by the National Association of School Resource Officers.

Sheriff Knowles created the Crime Prevention Unit, the Victim Assistance Program, the Citizens Observation Patrol, and Neighborhood Watch. He also directed investigations of prescription fraud and enlisted citizen-volunteers in the fight against crime.

Based on his vast military experience, Sheriff Knowles knew helicopter support could be vital in law enforcement operations. He started St. Lucie County's first Aviation Unit that served the tri-county area. He brought in the Treasure Coast's first Trauma Hawk which served in air-rescue operations.

In addition, Sheriff Knowles established the county's Organized Crime Unit that performed detailed investigations of drug gangs, illegal gambling, and other vice crimes.

Under his leadership, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office earned national law enforcement accreditation. Sheriff Knowles initiated the computerization of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office and secured a living wage for his deputies and civilian employees.

Sheriff Knowles was a founder of Crime Stoppers leading to felony arrests

and the apprehension of fugitives from justice while enabling the community to participate in the criminal justice process. Sheriff Knowles created St. Lucie County's Sheriff's Explorer Post. He also was instrumental in the creation of the St. Lucie County Hundred Club to financially support the families of law officers killed in the line of duty.

As Sheriff, he took particular pride in presiding over a huge decrease in both violent crime and property crimes in St. Lucie County.

Sheriff Knowles earned a lifelong reputation as a patriotic and relentless soldier, fearless crime fighter, and loyal friend to those privileged to know him. He was an avid and skilled golfer. Sheriff Knowles was a rancher who loved his dogs and loved hunting.

He is survived by a son, Robert Knowles, of Fort Pierce, Florida, and daughter-in-law Cheryl Knowles, of Fort Pierce; a daughter, Cindy Campbell, of Vero Beach, Florida; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 23, at the Pelican Yacht Club,1120 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce.

In lieu of flowers, people may make donations to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Explorers, Main Street Fort Pierce, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, and any veterans organization.

An online guest book may be signed at www.haisleyfuneralhome.com