A western Kentucky deputy shot in the line of duty earlier this month has died.
Crittenden County Deputy Rick Coyle died Thursday morning after being shot by 60-year-old Ronnie Phillips while Coyle and Department of Community Based Services personnel were serving emergency guardianship paperwork, according to the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office.
Coyle passed away at his residence, “surrounded by family,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Phillips was also fatally shot during the incident.
Coyle arrived in Crittenden County after working for 28 years with the Chicago Police Department where he served as a leader on the department’s SWAT Team, according to WGN.com. He retired from the Chicago PD in 2019.
Coyle had served as the school resource officer at Crittenden County High School for the last two years.
The Crittenden Co. Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement on Coyle’s death:
“He was a beloved member of the Sheriff’s Office. We are deeply grateful for all the support we have received from the public and surrounding communities during this difficult time.”
Gov. Andy Beshear released the following statement on Coyle’s death on social media:
“Deputy Coyle sacrificed everything protecting our commonwealth, and we are forever grateful to him. Please join Britainy and me as we pray for his family and fellow officers during this difficult time.”
Coyle was remembered by those in Chicago, as well, as Cook County Commissioner Sean M. Morrison released the following statement to ABC7Chicago.com:
“It’s with deep sadness to announce that former Chicago Police Officer Rick Coyle passed away this morning. For over 40 years, I had the privilege of calling Rick Coyle my friend, and that’s something I will always be grateful for.
Rick was one of those rare men you could count on without hesitation. Loyal, steady, and grounded in faith, he lived his life with quiet strength and real purpose. He dedicated himself to law enforcement, serving the people of Chicago and later his new home in Kentucky with honor and integrity. He didn’t do it for recognition. He did it because that’s who he was.”
(Photo: Rick Coyle, courtesy of Officer Down Memorial Page)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
