Bluegrass Beat
Bluegrass Beat
Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
A Mother’s Love, A Deputy’s Legacy
34 minutes Posted May 5, 2026 at 2:40 pm.
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Show notes
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.