RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Russell County has been shocked to its core after losing one of its own, and community members are picking up the pieces to honor Deputy Joshua Phipps’ life.
In Jamestown, people have been laying flowers on Phipps’ truck throughout the day. Many of them were visibly heartbroken. Those who knew him said it would be difficult to move forward from this loss.
“Just to lose him; we lost a big part. We lost a big part,” said Deputy Sheriff Jackie Grider.
Grider told FOX 56 that he worked with Phipps for a few years. He said that he was so easy to get along with and a very hard worker.
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“He had a passion for serving the people. He had a passion for what he did. And just a hero. Just a hero, but he was a very likable, very workable type of person. Not overzealous, just a great guy,” Grider said.
Russell County Schools Superintendent Michael Ford said the shooting incident unfolded about a mile down the road from the county’s middle and high schools. Several of the students and their families live in that area.
Due to the impact on those that live there, school leaders cancelled classes on Tuesday and instead opened their buildings to families in need of someone to talk to.
“They’re ours many times for many hours a day,” said Ford. “And you never lose that. You know, if you see a student ten years from now, they’re still your student. And it’s just those connections with them that are a responsibility.”
Russell County Schools had counselors available for anyone who needed a safe space to process this tragedy. School personnel also visited nearby neighborhoods to check on families and provide a meal.
“We need them ready to learn, but they can’t be ready to learn unless they know that they are loved, and they are safe and they are being taken care of,” said Cindy Damron, director of pupil personnel. “And we just wanted to express that to them today.”
Read more of the latest Kentucky news The district mental health specialist, Macayla Vaughan, said Deputy Phipps was very passionate about helping youth in the community.
“I can only say over and over again that you have people that care about you, but to have somebody embody that and show that to their community and show his heart every day means so much more because actions always speak louder than words,” Vaughn said.
“We’re going to carry on his legacy, and we’re going to push and take care of business,” added Grider.
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