By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A fallen Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy was honored as Sheriff's Deputy of the Year during the&nbsp;Kansas Sheriffs' Association fall conference on Nov. 6 in Mulvane.

Deputy Brandon Gaede was called to a report of the use of illegal explosives on June 27.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/864c86dc-8386-4c4f-8080-802f3b27bcd2">Gaede tried to arrest&nbsp;Kolton Griffith. According to law enforcement reports,&nbsp;Griffith turned on Gaede and&nbsp;drew a concealed revolver from his waistband. He fired five rounds, critically wounding Deputy Gaede. Despite his injuries, Deputy Gaede returned fire, discharging eight rounds and killing Griffith.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6b9609e0-20ef-43ed-b1eb-244806766af9">Gaede has also been honored by Point 27</a>, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/30e8ecb7-22db-4547-806d-d3c2e01f2307">a memorial scholarship has been established in his name at Colby Community College</a>.

The award was presented to Karlye, Gaede's wife, and their children during their awards banquet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752588612868.jpeg" alt="Brandon Gaede&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Gaede&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA fallen Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy was honored as Sheriff's Deputy of the Year during the&nbsp;Kansas Sheriffs' Association fall conference on Nov. 6 in Mulvane.Deputy Brandon Gaede was called to a report of the use of illegal explosives on June 27.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/864c86dc-8386-4c4f-8080-802f3b27bcd2">Gaede tried to arrest&nbsp;Kolton Griffith. According to law enforcement reports,&nbsp;Griffith turned on Gaede and&nbsp;drew a concealed revolver from his waistband. He fired five rounds, critically wounding Deputy Gaede. Despite his injuries, Deputy Gaede returned fire, discharging eight rounds and killing Griffith.</a>Gaede died later at the hospital.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6b9609e0-20ef-43ed-b1eb-244806766af9">Gaede has also been honored by Point 27</a>, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/30e8ecb7-22db-4547-806d-d3c2e01f2307">a memorial scholarship has been established in his name at Colby Community College</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763586441475.jpeg" alt="A photo of his plaque was shared on a memorial page dedicated to Gaede on Facebook." />
 <figcaption>A photo of his plaque was shared on a memorial page dedicated to Gaede on Facebook.</figcaption>
 </figure>The award was presented to Karlye, Gaede's wife, and their children during their awards banquet.

Fallen Phillips County Sheriff's officer honored as Deputy Sheriff of the Year