RUSSELL COUNTY, Ky. — A Kentucky deputy was shot and killed in the line of duty Monday night.
Three-year veteran Russell County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Phipps, 38, was killed while on the job, according to a Russell County Fiscal Court Facebook post.
According to a Kentucky State Police news release, Russell County Sheriff's Office was investigating on Bluebird Drive when Phipps was shot on duty and transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries shortly after.
A male subject allegedly involved in the shooting was also taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
WHAS11 reached out to the sheriff for comment, but his office said he was in no condition to speak after this recent loss.
Eric Johnson, executive director for Supporting Heroes, made the trip to Russell County to help the department and family Phipps left behind. They aid families of fallen first responders in Indiana, Missouri and Kentucky.
Johnson shared an image of Phipps' assigned vehicle where you can see it sitting in front of the county courthouse in Jamestown, Kentucky. It's currently sporting a big blue ribbon and flowers continue to be added next it by the community.
"I've spoken with the sheriff quite a bit," Johnson said. "We've been together quite a bit last night and today and he's taking it very hard. As any police leader or friend would do. This is a small department of about six deputies. His parents are obviously very upset. This is not supposed to happen. Parents are not supposed to bury their children."
Before moving to Derby City, the Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed Phipps previously worked for them. He started with LMPD in 2020, where he became a graduate of the Metro Academy class 46 in 2021. Phipps served as a second division patrol officer for a few months after the ceremony.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear offered his condolences after the tragedy.
“Tragic news for our commonwealth as a Russell County deputy was killed in the line of duty last night,” said Beshear. “Britainy and I ask all of Kentucky to join us in praying for his family, fellow law enforcement officers and the entire Russell County community.”
“Tonight, Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps ended his watch to his county and his Commonwealth," Kentucky AG Russell Coleman said in a statement. "All Kentucky mourns his loss and honors his selfless sacrifice. Along with Deputy Phipps’ brothers and sisters in uniform across Kentucky and the nation, we send our prayers and condolences to his family and colleagues."
It is unclear what exactly led to the death of Deputy Josh Phipps.
Johnson said he's helping the community plan Phipps' funeral and they are coordinating a candlelight vigil for Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Phipps is the 11th line of duty death within Kentucky.