Kentucky honors fallen officers at memorial ceremony

Gov. Andy Beshear joins families and law enforcement to remember two who died in the line of duty

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The Commonwealth paused to honor the lives of two Kentucky law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty on Thursday.

At the Department of Criminal Justice Training Center in Richmond, a solemn crowd of officers, community members, and state leaders, including Governor Andy Beshear, gathered to pay tribute.

The names of Deputy Joshua Phipps of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant William Jackson of the Winchester Police Department were officially added to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial.

Loved ones of those lost spoke at Thursday’s ceremony.

“And nothing can prepare you for the ache that follows, but even in that pain I know what he would want, for me to keep going, for me to keep raising our daughter with love, with strength, and with purpose,” said Chelsi Hamilton, the widow of fallen Pikeville City Police Officer Scotty Hamilton.

Deputy Phipps was 38 when he was killed in an officer-involved shooting in September 2024. Sergeant Jackson died from a heart attack while on duty. He served his community for more than 40 years.

“The stories of Sargent Jackson and Deputy Phipps, one with a lifetime of service, and the other with a promising career trajectory cut short,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Their stories, highlight the unpredictable ever present dangers they willingly confront everyday, how they leave their families every morning to stand between danger and our families,” said Gov. Beshear.

In addition to Phipps and Jackson, eight historical officers’ names were also added to the memorial, ensuring their service is never forgotten.