Colby Community College
COLBY — The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation is proud to partner with the family of Brandon Gaede to establish a memorial scholarship to honor Gaede’s lifelong commitment to public service. It will support students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, with preference given to those planning careers in law enforcement or emergency response.
To learn more or to contribute, visit the Brandon Gaede Memorial Scholarship Page.
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Born and raised in Colby, Gaede graduated from Colby High School in 2013, where he excelled in multiple sports. He began his law enforcement career immediately after high school as a jailer with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office. During that time, he earned an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Colby Community College in 2015.
In 2017, Gaede joined the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy and graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) as president of the 247th Basic Training Class. Over the years, he served as a field training officer and drone operator, earning a promotion to sergeant in 2023 and then to undersheriff in 2024.
Whether it was football, wrestling, fishing, debating with family, or serving as a deputy, Gaede committed wholeheartedly to every endeavor. He was known for his honesty and integrity, and his dedication to work extended beyond duty. He volunteered his time to enrich the community, actively connecting with schools, sharing laughter, and making law enforcement relatable to the younger generation.
Gaede’s passion for law enforcement began at the age of 7, and it was the only career he had ever wanted. His service was more than a job; it was an honor. Striving to make a meaningful impact in every community he served, he looked after family, friends, and neighbors.
Known for his favorite phrase, “You’re killing me, Smalls!” (a nod to his love of the film The Sandlot), Gaede was a devoted father who never missed his children’s events. One of their favorite evening traditions was a spirited game of “Dog Pile” in the living room, usually right before bedtime. He shared his love for old cars and fishing with his children, especially his eldest son, Axel. Whether fixing a vehicle or working on a house project, his kids were often right by his side.
Always willing to lend a listening ear, he is remembered as a genuine, one-of-a-kind individual. His legacy as a true hero lives on in the hearts of his family and community.