Remembering Officer Phillip Harrison; Died of Cancer at 52

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)-Lexington Police Sergeant Billy Richmond says, “You know, there was just something about Phillip Harrison that was unique and he definitely was a great police officer.” Sergeant Richmond was once partners with 19-year-veteran of the force, Detective Phillip Harrison, in their early years.

He says, “We spent a lot of time together on a daily basis and that kind of work involved a lot of trust in each other. Even then I kind of knew this was a guy I trusted.”

Harrison was a guy many not only trusted, but a man many considered their confidant.

“He had this ability to make everybody feel like they were his best friend.”

Much beloved in the community, supporters have been rallying to kick out cancer with fundraisers like a kickball tournament back in April ever since his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in late March.

“Initially when the Gofundme Page talk started up he was against it. Phillip was a very proud man.”

But with some convincing Harrison who helped so many others is now getting help from far and wide to help provide for his wife Jana and their twelve-year-old daughter in his absence.

“We were all very overwhelmed with the outpouring from people. You know, Phillip was very happy about that. Because, this money, Phillip didn’t want it. This was for his daughter for her future.”

So far more than 400 people have donated more than $63,000 in his honor. But the money will never take away the loss of those still carrying on without him.

Richmond says, “It’s bittersweet. He struggled. This was a struggle for anybody. And to see our friend going through what he went through is somewhat of a relief.”

Harrison’s funeral will be this Friday at 2 pm at Southland Christian Church. Visitation starts beforehand at 10am.