Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Josh Phipps was shot and killed while pursuing a fleeing suspect on Bluebird Drive in Russell Springs.
Deputy Phipps was assisting the Kentucky State Police in apprehending a suspect who had fled on foot. During the encounter with the suspect at 5:27 p.m., gunfire was exchanged. Deputy Phipps was transported to the Russell County Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
The suspect died from his wounds at the hospital.
Deputy Phipps had served with the Russell County Sheriff's Office for three years and previously served with the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents, sister, and nephew.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-B65A2771- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Phipps gave the Russell County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jamestown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Phipps.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Joshua C. Phipps is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joshua C. Phipps's cause is highlighted.
How Joshua C. Phipps Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joshua C. Phipps is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joshua C. Phipps was killed by gun; unknown type.