By James Brown
Glasgow News 1
In a sanctuary where the squeak of sneakers usually fills the space, mourners gathered to share their love and memories of Hayden Phillips.
The Kentucky State Trooper was remembered for the public role he served, but more crucially as the man, father, husband, son and brother he was. Eulogies from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, state police commissioner Col. Phillip “PJ” Burnett, Jr., and state police Capt. Jeremy Smith — reading from words written by Hayden’s wife, Jordan — reminded those gathered in E.A. Diddle Arena, and those watching online, of the trooper’s sense of duty.
Hayden was remembered for his sense of humor, which is something his colleague and friend Trooper Katan Parker has said more than once during press conferences since Hayden was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 28. He was also remembered for his commitment to his family and his three sons.
The funeral procession for Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips enters Glasgow Municipal Cemetery on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. James Brown/Glasgow News 1
“I heard about his sense of humor, his determination, his compassion,” Burnett said.
The colonel said he learned much about the man outside the uniform during conversations with Jordan.
Burnett recalled that Hayden went through the state police academy twice.
“The first time, Jordan experienced a medical emergency and he chose to be with his wife,” the colonel said. Hayden’s determination brought him back to complete the academy and continue his pursuit to be a state police trooper.
In the days before Hayden’s death, he went about several projects around the family home that seemed routine, but demonstrated his focus on family.
“They see a man in the days before his death who was taking care of his family,” Burnett said, “and preparing for the future.”
“We can not know why these things happen, but Jordan and her family can find comfort in believing God knew,” the colonel said.
Burnett told Jordan from the stage that she and her family will not go through this time alone.
“When you need us, we will be there,” he said.
The large flag at Glasgow Municipal Cemetery is at half-staff in honor of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips. Phillips’ was buried at the cemetery Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. James Brown/Glasgow News 1
Governor Beshear also had a message of faith.
“The Bible says we truly never lose someone if we keep speaking their name, and I think that means telling their story,” he said.
The governor said the stories he heard about Hayden revealed his love of his family, his commitment to public service, and his infectious sense of humor.
Beshear told Hayden’s parents, Homer and Robin, “You raised an amazing son.”
Members of the Louisville Metro Police Department mounted patrol await in Fort Williams in Glasgow for the procession for Trooper Hayden Phillips. Phillips was buried in Glasgow Municipal Cemetery on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. James Brown/Glasgow News 1
Capt. Jeremy Smith, the Post 15 commander, read from a eulogy written by Jordan Phillips.
“He didn’t just love his boys, he lived for them,” Smith read. “He was the Daddy down on the floor playing with the boys.”
Jordan’s words captured the man who was committed to his routines, to building and improving their farm, and teaching his children all of the things he wanted them to learn.
He also was committed to her, tucking her into bed each night, and letting her be “his passenger princess.”
“Wait for me at the pearly gates because I have a lifetime of loving you to do,” Capt. Smith read from Jordan’s eulogy.
The funeral procession for Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips enters Glasgow Municipal Cemetery on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. James Brown/Glasgow News 1
The funeral service in Bowling Green, Ky., also featured a video with Hayden’s three sons, Kason, Konnor and Knox, a song performed by Billy Ray Cyrus, and a sermon by Dr. Gregg Farrell of Crossland Community Church in Bowling Green. Farrell also serves as the chaplain for the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
To close, “Amazing Grace” was performed by a quartet that included Glasgow natives Tyler and Dena Lindsey.
The attendees filed out of Diddle Arena to a funeral procession that included more than 900 vehicles from law enforcement and emergency agencies from across Kentucky, and Tennessee. The procession wound out of Bowling Green, along Interstate 65, east on the Cumberland Expressway and to Glasgow Municipal Cemetery.
There, Trooper Hayden Phillips was laid to rest near a giant U.S. flag flying at half-staff in his honor.
The end of the funeral procession for Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips enters Glasgow Municipal Cemetery, where he was buried on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. James Brown/Glasgow News 1
A flag is hung between a light pole and a street sign post at the intersection of W. Washington Street and Leslie Avenue on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. It was displayed along the procession route for Trooper Hayden Phillips. James Brown/Glasgow News 1
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