Community mourns loss of deputy, after officer-involved shooting in Russell County

RUSSELL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The community of Russell County is in mourning after a deadly officer involved shooting claimed the life of a deputy.

Law enforcement agencies showing support for those in Russell County.

According to Kentucky State Police, Deputy Josh Phipps died on Monday from a gunshot wound, he received while assisting KSP and others, while they attempted to look for an alleged suspect that had fled from a scene.
Officials say the alleged suspect died after shots were exchanged.

As the investigation surrounding the incident continues, those who knew him best, say Deputy Josh Phipps was one of a kind.

“He was, to me, a hero,” recalled Sheriff Derek Polston, who closely worked with Deputy Phipps.

“Josh was a person that really cared about the well being of this county,” added Cheyenne Robertson who works at Reel Java, a favorite of Deputy Phipps.

Phipps died on Monday after an officer-involved shooting.

The three-year veteran with the sheriff’s department recently celebrated his birthday at one of his favorite places Reel Java, a place he was known to visit often.

“He always came in and got a three shot vanilla, with one toasted marshmallow, and I would always get it wrong. That was kind of our going joke with Cheyenne doesn’t know how to make my coffee,” recalled Robertson.

For Sheriff Derek Polston, Deputy Phipps would jump right into anything without hesitation.

“He was just one of those type of officers that are few and far between,” said Polston.

Described as one of the nicest people, tributes pouring in from different agencies from all over the Commonwealth but especially within the community.

“I couldn’t be more blessed to have a community that we live in, that, they thought the world of Josh and he thought the world of them. He died a hero and he’ll be sorely missed for sure,” added Polston.

Adding that he doesn’t know if his department will ever truly move forward.

“Honestly, I’ve been in law enforcement 33 years myself, two years, two terms as sheriff. But, I don’t recall an, an officer in-line of of duty death that it’s ever occurred in Russell County that I can remember,” he also said.

For those at Reel Java, they’ll miss the comradery with Deputy Phipps but also his kindness.

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On Thursday evening, the sheriff’s department is hosting a vigil for Deputy Phipps outside of the Jamestown Courthouse.