Longtime CPD officer dies after Kentucky police shooting: sheriff

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A longtime Chicago police officer was killed after being shot in-the-line-of-duty in Kentucky earlier this month, local police said Thursday.

Crittenden County, Kentucky sheriff's Deputy Rick Coyle died Thursday morning, after being shot on April 2, the sheriff's office said.

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Coyle died at his home surrounded by family, the sheriff's office said.

He served with the Crittenden County Sheriff's Office for two years and was a school resource officer for Crittenden County High School.

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"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," the sheriff's office said.

He retired from the Chicago Police Department after nearly 30 years of service.

Coyle also worked with the Will County Sheriff's Office for several years before CPD.

Coyle was shot while serving emergency guardianship paperwork in Sturgis, Kentucky, Kentucky State Police previously said.

Suspect Ronnie Phillips, 60, was also shot and killed, police said.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear previously said, "Kentucky, please join me and Britainy as we pray for Crittenden County Sheriff's Deputy Rick Coyle, who was shot last night in the line of duty. Deputy Coyle showed the utmost bravery while protecting our commonwealth, and his family and fellow officers need our support right now. Let's wrap our arms around them."

Cook County Commissioner Sean M. Morrison said in a statement: "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.

"But to me, Rick was more than the badge. He was a friend through decades of life, someone who stood by you, who you could trust, and who made an impact just by being himself.

"Today, I pray for Rick's soul, that he may rest in eternal peace, and I lift up his wife Jamie and their entire family. May they feel God's comfort and the strength that comes from knowing how deeply Rick was respected and loved.

"I will miss you, Rick. Thank you for 40 years of friendship."