In this episode of Bluegrass Beat, host Critley King-Smith speaks with Pam Phipps, mother of Russell County Deputy Joshua Phipps, who was killed in the line of duty in 2024. They reflect on Joshua’s life beyond the badge, who he was as a son, what led him to serve, and the legacy he leaves behind. Pam shares what it means to see her son honored on the National and  Kentucky Law Enforcement memorials and speaks to the importance of remembering the men and women behind the names etched there. This conversation also explores the difficult reality families face after loss, when public attention fades, but grief remains, and highlights the ways law enforcement agencies and communities can continue to support those left behind. It is a powerful and personal look at love, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of a life lived in service.

Scams are evolving, and they’re costing Kentuckians millions. In this episode, we hear from Department of Financial Institutions Information Officer Tasha Stewart and take a closer look at the Stop Scams Initiative led by the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet and its new partnership with the Kentucky State Police to better equip law enforcement agencies across the commonwealth.

When a critical incident unfolds, law enforcement officers are often the first on scene, sometimes minutes before EMS can safely enter. In those moments, the ability to recognize and treat life-threatening injuries can mean the difference between life and death. In this episode of Bluegrass Beat, Jason Mike, Tactics Section Supervisor and Critical Skills Instructor at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, explains why tactical medicine has become an essential skill in modern policing. Mike draws from his experience as an Army combat medic, Silver Star recipient, and former patrol and traffic officer to explain how officers can transition from threat engagement to lifesaving care under extreme stress. The conversation covers preventable trauma deaths, officer self-aid and buddy-aid, active shooter response, and the importance of realistic, data-driven training.

Crime doesn’t stop at city or county lines — and effective public safety can’t either. In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, host Critley King-Smith explores the Bluegrass and Central Kentucky Unified Police Protection System (BACKUPPS), a statewide cooperative program designed to help law enforcement agencies work together across jurisdictions. First, BACKUPPS Chairman and Georgetown Police Chief Darin Allgood breaks down how the program works today, including governance, standard operating procedures, training, and what agencies need to know about joining. He also addresses common questions about communication, accountability and operating in another agency’s jurisdiction. Then, Commissioner Mike Bosse, who helped write the original framework for BACKUPPS in 2014, reflects on the program’s creation and history. He discusses why cooperation is essential to modern policing, the importance of setting aside egos and “kingdoms,” and how unified leadership ultimately strengthens public safety for both officers and the communities they serve. Together, these conversations highlight why collaboration, shared training and a common mission are critical tools in keeping Kentucky safe.

In this first episode of 2026, Special Assistant Amy Hess discusses what can be expected from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training in the new year.

In this special episode of The Bluegrass Beat, host Critley King-Smith explores Project Heart Restart, an initiative working to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in every police cruiser across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Hear how this mission is already saving lives, and why AED access in cruisers can change outcomes for families and communities across the state.

Raising salaries and increasing in-service options are discussed as Commissioner Mike Bosse returns to the Bluegrass Beat and Director of Training Operations David Hay makes his first appearance.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, meet new State School Security Marshal Shannon West and hear about his background, his hopes for the office, his team, and his mission of keeping kids safe.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Office of Drug Control Policy Executive Director Van Ingram discusses the ways that the commonwealth is working to successfully reduce overdose deaths in Kentucky, options law enforcement agencies have to help, and community resources.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Georgetown’s Lt. Mitch Lair talks about the use of social workers and victim advocates with law enforcement agencies, the benefits, pitfalls and ways to bring this valuable service to your own agency.