Cancer takes life of LPD Detective Phillip Harrison

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Lexington Police Department has confirmed that Detective Phillip Harrison, a 19-year veteran of the force has passed away at 52.

A release from the Lexington Police Department says that Harrison died while in hospice care at St. Joseph Hospital.

“Phillip was a great officer and father, a genuine person with a unique sense of humor,” Chief Mark Barnard said. “He had a wonderful ability to relate and connect with everyone, from the people Phillip encountered through his work to his closest friends. Phillip cared about this community and he will be truly missed.”

Harrison was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which had spread to his liver back in March.  Officers and the community rallied behind him in May, with the Raising Cane’s restaurant hosting a fundraiser, and the police department organizing a kickball tournament to also help raise funds for medical expenses.

Harrison is survived by his wife, Jana, and a 12-year-old daughter.

Funeral services for Detective Harrison will be held Friday, July 8, at Southland Christian Church on Richmond Road. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Friday and the funeral will follow at 2 p.m. He will be interred at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens on Harrodsburg Road.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of the Bluegrass.