By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Hays community gathered along the streets on Tuesday in silent tribute to the fallen Phillips County deputy.
The Kansas Highway Patrol led the escort of Deputy Brandon Gaede from Wichita to Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg.
It traveled through Salina and continued west on Interstate 70 to exit 159 before going north on Vine Street. City of Hays and Ellis County first responders, businesses owners and residents gathered to pay their respects.
Gaede died Friday after responding to a call at 9:28 p.m. that led to an exchange of gunfire with a suspect in Phillipsburg.
Gaede arrived at the scene and contacted 27-year-old Colton Griffith, who was reported to have detonated illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks at 899 First St.
As the undersheriff attempted to place Griffith in handcuffs, a struggle broke out. Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on the deputy.
Despite being struck by gunfire, the undersheriff returned fire and hit Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.
EMS transported Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, medical personnel pronounced him dead at 10:24 p.m.
SEE RELATED STORY: Sheriff's deputy and suspect dead after gunfight in Phillipsburg
Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds and facilities from sunup to sundown on July 5 in honor of Gaede.
Funeral services for Gaede are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Huck Boyd Community Center in Phillipsburg.