Kansans turned out along 236 miles of lonely roads and highways Tuesday afternoon to honor a fallen sheriff deputy who was making his final trip home.
Phillips County Sheriff Deputy Brandon Gaede was shot and killed Friday night while responding to a fireworks call in Phillipsburg.
Gaede was escorted back home to Phillipsburg from a forensic science center in Wichita on Tuesday afternoon. The escort had multiple law enforcement vehicles including motorcycles, cars, SUVs, and a helicopter from the Kansas Highway Patrol and other agencies.
Along the way first responders, including law enforcement and firefighters, gathered on overpasses, medians, and exit ramps, and saluted as the procession passed.
Citizens gathered as well, on overpasses and sideroads to show their respect. On-coming traffic came to a stop as the procession approached.
Salina Firefighters and Police Officers gathered on the Crawford Street Overpass. They displayed a large flag, and saluted. Citizens gathered on the Magnolia Street Overpass, on exit ramps, and on side roads, some of them holding flags, to salute the fallen officer.
The final destination is the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, July 3, with funeral services at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 5. Both events are open to the public and will occur at the Huck Boyd Community Center, 860 Park St., Phillipsburg. Immediately following funeral services, interment will be at Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, 576 W. Osage Road, Stuttgart, Kansas.
For members of the public attending funeral services, parking will be available at Phillipsburg High School located at 410 S. 7thStreet. Buses will be available to transport attendees to the Huck Boyd Community Center. Parking for first responders will be available along Park Street near the community center. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.
Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags to be flown at half-staff on July 5, in honor of Deputy Gaede.
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Top Photo by Tanner Colvin: Deputy Brandon Gaede passes under the Crawford Street Overpass as Salina Fire Fighters and Police Officers salute.
