Honoring

Deputy Sheriff Josh Phipps

Russell County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

EOW: Sept. 16, 2024 | Age: None | Tour: 3 Years

Deputy Sheriff Josh Phipps was shot and killed while pursuing a fleeing suspect on Bluebird Drive in Russell Springs. Deputy Phipps was assisting the Kentucky State Police in apprehending a suspect who had fled on foot. During the encounter with the suspect at 5:27 p.m., gunfire was exchanged. Deputy Phipps was transported to the Russell County Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect died from his wounds at the hospital. Deputy Phipps had served with the Russell County Sheriff's Office for three years and previously served with the Louisville Metro Police Department. He is survived by his parents.

Honoring

Captain Thomas Ray Patterson

Louisburg Fire Department, North Carolina

EOW: Sept. 12, 2024 | Age: 74 | Tour: None

On September 12, 2024, Captain Thomas Patterson responded to two emergency calls. The first response was at 1:12 p.m. to a vehicle collision. The second response was at 2:30 p.m. to a fire alarm activation. After the responses, Captain Patterson returned home where, at approximately 3:25 p.m., he was found unresponsive and passed away.

Honoring

Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Brinker

Kansas City Fire Department, Missouri

EOW: Sept. 17, 2024 | Age: 33 | Tour: 11 Years

The Kansas City firefighter and paramedic who died following a training exercise on Tuesday has been identified as Kyle Brinker, 33. Brinker suffered a medical emergency around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday while participating in a Kansas City Fire Department training exercise. After his colleagues attempted to provide aid, Brinker was evacuated to North Kansas City hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. An 11-year veteran of the department, Brinker spent the majority of his KCFD career at Station 35 — one of the busiest in the city, according to Kansas City fire Chief Ross Grundyson. A firefighter paramedic, Brinker was most recently assigned to the Technical Rescue Division at Station 35.This position placed him on the front lines at active fires, where Brinker communicated with fellow firefighters and made critical decisions while evacuating residents from burning buildings, according to the Missouri Department of Public Safety. In a statement Tuesday, Grundyson described Brinker as someone who “operated at the highest level of skill and compassion.” “He was a mentor and role model for many, exemplifying the qualities KCFD looks for in our uniformed personnel,” Grundyson said. Brinker worked as a paramedic in Elizabeth Township, Pennsylvania, from August 2012 to September 2013, before joining the Kansas City Fire Department. Brinker grew up in Plum, Pennsylvania. He attended Coastal Carolina University for marine science before studying fire science at Community College of Allegheny County. He later studied emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh after earning his certification as a paramedic in 2012. In posts shared online Tuesday, one of Brinker’s co-workers described him as an excellent leader with a strong sense of humor. “You didn’t cower under pressure,” the coworker wrote, addressing Brinker. “You set an example that many people, myself included, looked up to. You showed the highest of qualities in every facet of life. You will always be a hero of mine.” Brinker is survived by his wife Becky, along with his brother Scott, who is also a KCFD firefighter, according to Grundyson. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Honoring

Police Officer David Lee

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri

EOW: Sept. 22, 2024 | Age: 44 | Tour: 18 Years

Police Officer David Lee was struck and killed by a vehicle while assisting at a crash scene on eastbound I-70, just east of the Adelaide Avenue exit, shortly after 8:45 am. He was setting out flares when an approaching vehicle struck him. He was transported to SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital where he succumbed to injuries. Officer Lee had served with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.