LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Condolences are pouring in after a Kentucky deputy was shot and killed in the line of duty.
Deputy Josh Phipps, a three-year veteran with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, was shot Monday night during an investigation on Bluebird Drive. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.
Another man who was allegedly involved in the shooting also died.
No other information of what led to the tragic killing of Phipps has been released.
Sheriff Derek Polston released a statement via Kentucky State Police saying their office is “devastated.”
“We’re overwhelmed with sadness but know we are surrounded by support from our community and across the state during this difficult time. Please be patient with us and investigators as we navigate this tragedy,” Polston said.
Leaders and organizations from around Kentucky shared their condolences and support following the shooting.
"Please keep the family and friends of Deputy Phipps in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God Bless them and keep them safe and continue to watch over the Russell County Sheriff's Office."
"Late last night, Sheriff's Deputy Josh Phipps of Russell County, KY was killed in the line of duty. His sacrifice is a somber reminder of the debt we owe our courageous law enforcement officers. Elaine and I join the rest of the Commonwealth in sending our deepest sympathy to Russell County and the Phipps family as they mourn his loss."
Kentucky State Senator Rick Girdler (R-Somerset):
“I am deeply saddened to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps, who tragically gave his life in the line of duty. Deputy Phipps devoted himself to protecting and serving our community, and his loss is a stark and painful reminder of the risks faced by the brave men and women who wear the badge every day.”
“Kelley and I are keeping Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps and his fellow officers in Kentucky in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep his family, friends, and colleagues in mind during this difficult time.”
Ryan Straw, vice president and government affairs director, Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police
On behalf of @KYSTATEFOP President Perdue and our entire e-board, we grieve with our brothers and sisters in Russell County over the loss of Deputy Josh Phipps. Please continue to hold his family, the SO, Russell County and the entire Commonwealth in your thoughts during this terrible tragedy.@KYSTATEFOP
“UKPD stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at the Russell County Sheriff’s Department as we honor the memory of Deputy Phipps. Our deepest condolences go out to the RCSO family and all who knew Deputy Phipps.”
“Our sincere condolences go out to the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and the family and friends of Deputy Josh Phipps, who was killed in the line of duty while protecting the commonwealth. #LODD #EOW”
Arrangements for Phipps are currently pending and have not yet been announced.
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