Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch honored Knoxville Police Department Lieutenant Vince Ayub for his selfless dedication to the Knoxville Police Department and the law enforcement profession.
Lt. Ayub has been with KPD since November 1986.
Lt. Ayub began his career as a patrol officer. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1991 and Lieutenant in 2000. He currently supervises the Forensics Unit. But it was not until 2005 while on vacation in Scotland that Lt. Ayub would make a decision that would ultimately have one of the greatest impacts on his career with KPD. While listening to more than 10,000 bagpipers playing Amazing Grace while attempting to break a new Guinness Book world record, Lt. Ayub decided at that moment he wanted to learn to play the pipes. Immediately upon his return to Knoxville, Lt. Ayub taught himself to read music in just two weeks. He then sought help from the Knoxville Pipes and Drums where he began taking lessons to play the pipes.
Chief Rausch said, “Since learning to play the bagpipes, Lt. Ayub’s drive, determination, and love of the music, has resulted in Vince becoming an integral addition to the police department. He performs with the department’s Honor Guard as they are called upon to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. He has performed for memorial services and funerals of officers throughout East Tennessee and has done so on his own time and expense.”
Lt. Ayub did not stop with just learning how to play the pipes, but every nuance of how they worked. Due to his inquisitive drive and tenacity, Lt. Ayub is now sought after by other pipers when their bagpipes are in need of repair or refurbishment.
Chief Rausch said, “Vince has taken that one decision he made in 2005 and turned it into his passion and it has been one the entire Knoxville Police Department is grateful for.”