John Knox

John Knox is a dedicated public servant with over 34 years of experience in emergency response, disaster management, and public health advocacy. He began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, where he honed his skills in law enforcement, search and rescue, and inter-agency collaboration. Building on this foundation, John transitioned to the fire service, serving as a firefighter and paramedic with the Los Angeles Fire Department. Today, John serves as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Over the years, his career has spanned leadership roles that reflect his commitment to resilience, teamwork, and community service.

A proud father of two daughters, John's life is anchored in faith, family, and integrity. His experiences as a father have deepened his understanding of the importance of informed decision-making and health choices, inspiring his dedication to advocating for fairness and opportunity for all. This family-centered approach informs his leadership style, emphasizing trust, honesty, and action in every endeavor.

He is deeply supported by his partner, Michelle, whose unwavering presence and steadfast belief in doing what is right have been a constant source of strength. Through every challenge, Michelle has stood firmly by his side, encouraging his voice and convictions with grace and courage. Their relationship is grounded in open, honest communication and a shared commitment to integrity, resilience, and purpose—values that continue to shape and sustain their journey together.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, John faced significant personal and professional challenges, including harassment, discrimination, and eventual termination for standing firm in his religious and personal beliefs. Refusing to be deterred, he became a leading advocate for constitutional freedoms, co-founding Firefighters4Freedom to defend civil liberties and fight against unjust policies. His efforts have influenced legislation, educated the public, and supported emergency responders nationwide. This period of adversity strengthened his faith, deepened his bond with his family, and reaffirmed his commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

John's professional journey reflects a lifetime of service and leadership. At the Los Angeles Fire Department, he specialized in hazardous materials response, arson investigation, public safety education, and paramedic training. He also played a critical role in disaster recovery operations, including serving as a head advisor and logistics coordinator for the U.S. Department of Justice during the 9/11 recovery efforts. As a Strategic Advisor with Strategic Response Partners, he led disaster preparedness and recovery initiatives across the United States and internationally, partnering with organizations to address the impacts of natural and man-made disasters.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John's competitive nature and passion for teamwork extend to all areas of his life. Whether coordinating emergency responses, advocating for his colleagues and community, or raising awareness of civil liberties, John values the strength that comes from uniting people toward a shared purpose. His vision is rooted in faith and service, and he aspires to expand his impact on a national level, building a legacy of integrity, resilience, and leadership.

With certifications in FEMA Incident Command, hazardous materials response, and public safety, John's expertise is complemented by his hands-on experience in crisis management and advocacy. His enduring hope is to leave the world better than he found it, driven by the belief that integrity, courage, and true leadership can create a brighter tomorrow and Make America Healthy Again.