CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ky. — A Chicago native and longtime SWAT team leader with the Chicago Police Department was critically wounded in a shooting in Kentucky, where he now serves with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputy Rick Coyle, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side and attended Brother Rice High School, moved to Kentucky with his wife in 2019 after retiring from CPD. He later joined the sheriff’s department and became a school resource officer with Crittenden County Schools in 2024.
According to Kentucky State Police, Coyle remains in critical condition after being shot in the line of duty Thursday night. Sources told WGN-TV he was struck in the head and also hit in the vest.
Deputies and Kentucky Department of Community Based Services staff were responding to a home in the Sturgis area around 5 p.m. to serve emergency guardianship paperwork, according to KSP.
Authorities said the suspect, 60-year-old Ronnie Phillips, exchanged gunfire with officers before being fatally shot.
Coyle was airlifted to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, where he remains in critical condition.
The shooting has left family, friends, and former colleagues shocked and heartbroken.
“I would ask for prayers. Just after serving law enforcement as long as he did, he’s helped out thousands of individuals and families in the city of Chicago, and right now, if everybody could just return that gratitude to him and his wife, we’d be grateful,” Joe Bird said.
Bird, a former colleague and close friend, served alongside Coyle on the SWAT team, where Coyle was elected team leader for his leadership, skills, and dedication to mentoring others.
“I spoke with him last week. We’ve stayed in contact since we both retired,” Bird said. “He’s a great person, very dedicated to law enforcement and serving the community. He makes people around him better, so I was absolutely devastated when I heard it.”
Bird said he wasn’t surprised Coyle continued serving after retiring from Chicago.
“He made me a better operator, and I wouldn’t have been as successful as I am today if it weren’t for Rick Coyle,” he said.
A former CPD commander said Coyle graduated from the police academy in 1991, began his career in the 7th District Englewood, and joined the Special Operations Section in 1998 before moving to the SWAT team.
He estimated Coyle participated in about 2,000 SWAT missions and was known for making key tactical decisions. Colleagues described him as knowledgeable, honest, and committed to protecting civilians. He also helped design and implement training for SWAT members.
“He made the team better and brought energy to every shift,” Bird said. “He’d push us hard, but he also made sure we stayed motivated.”
Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison, a friend of more than 30 years, said they met as freshmen at Brother Rice High School.
“Rick is a good man, a dedicated law enforcement officer, and someone who has always put others before himself,” Morrison said. “Please pray for Rick, his wife Jamie, his family, and his fellow deputies.”
A spokesperson for Crittenden County Schools said Coyle made a strong impact on students and staff.
“They love and respect him very much. Relationships are a core value in our district, and Rick is a shining example of that — not only with students, but with staff, parents, and the community,” the spokesperson said.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also issued a statement following the shooting.
“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.”
A prayer vigil held Friday night at the school where Coyle serves as an SRO drew dozens of community members, including students, elected officials, and fellow officers.
“We know our county has faced tragedy we never wanted to see,” said Crittenden County Judge Executive Perry Newcom. “This is a time for our community to come together, to have faith, to pray, and to support one another.”
Newcom also highlighted Coyle’s service and the support his family needs as he continues to fight for his life.
“Rick is one of the most outstanding officers there has been — one of the most tactically sound,” Newcom said. “He has trained officers across our region.”
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