Vigil held for fallen Russell County deputy

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (WKYT) - A community in mourning is continuing to honor a fallen deputy.

Deputy Josh Phipps with the Russell County Sheriff’s Department was shot Monday night. He died at the hospital.

Through tragedy, the community is coming together tonight in his honor.

The candlelight prayer vigil held for sheriff’s deputy Josh Phipps was emotional, filled with prayer and tears, but, as those who knew Phipps best-shared stories of him, the night was even filled with a few laughs.

“He cared. No matter the situation, he cared,” said Deputy Dustin Bunch. “Again, you don’t ever, ever hear anything less than that Josh was a hero.”

A fellow officer and a dear friend to Phipps, Dustin Bunch, says he was brave and courageous from his first day working here three years ago to his final time Monday night.

“I was proud to know him and to serve with him,” Bunch said.

Deputy Phipps’ loss has left a missing piece in this community that they won’t ever be able to replace. But through community and prayer services like the one Wednesday night, they’ll be able to grieve his loss together instead of alone.

“He was the epitome of an officer. It’s going to be a hole that’s unable to be filled. But now we can carry on his memory, and carry on what he did and how we was protecting our community.” said Jason Walters, Senior Minister Jamestown Christian Church

Hundreds of people joined the vigil Wednesday night and Deputy Phipps’s vehicle will remain in the Town Square for people to continue to come by and pay their respects.