Funeral arrangements set for Russell County deputy killed in shooting

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Funeral arrangements have been made for the sheriff’s deputy killed in a shooting Monday in Russell County.

The funeral for 38-year-old Joshua Phipps will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at 3trees Church, located at 3515 KY-80 in Russell Springs, visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. the same day, according to his obituary.

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A cremation will follow the funeral service.

Phipps was with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office for 3 years. Before his time as a deputy, he was a Louisville Metro Police officer, graduating from the Metro Academy in February 2021. He worked in LMPD’s 2nd Division as a patrol officer until he resigned in May 2021.

“Deputy Phipps passed away doing what he loved, serving and protecting the community. He was an avid gun collector and enjoyed shooting guns, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends,” reads his obituary.

The community has worked to honor Phipps’ memory, holding prayer vigils and erecting memorials to thank him for his service.

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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,” Deputy Sheriff Jackie Grider said.

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