[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 125 (Tuesday, July 22, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DEPUTY BRANDON GAEDE

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the memory and mourn 
the tragic passing of a young Kansan, Phillips County Sheriff's Deputy 
Brandon Gaede.
  On Friday, June 27, Kansas lost one of its finest in the line of 
duty. Responding to a call in Phillipsburg, Deputy Brandon Gaede 
arrived promptly at the scene, and as he was attempting to make an 
arrest, the suspect revealed a concealed handgun and opened fire. 
Despite being struck several times, Brandon returned fire, neutralizing 
the assailant in order to protect innocent bystanders and prevent any 
further harm to his fellow officers. First responders and EMS quickly 
arrived at the scene to perform lifesaving efforts, but sadly, Brandon 
did not survive.
  I am heartbroken by this tragedy. Words cannot describe the 
devastating loss felt by Brandon's family, friends, and loved ones. 
Brandon is survived by his wife Karlye and their three young children. 
This senseless act of violence has forever robbed the Gaede family of 
their father and husband and the Phillips County community of a 
dedicated public servant.
  When we lose someone in a Kansas community, it is not simply just 
another name. It is someone we have seen at our children's school 
activities, stood beside at community gatherings, and gotten to know as 
a neighbor and friend.
  Brandon's life was an example of what it means to truly serve, and I 
have come to learn there are many examples of Brandon's selflessness. I 
attended Brandon's funeral in Phillipsburg. The outpouring of love and 
support I saw for Brandon was incredible. Over 100 law enforcement 
agencies traveled to northwest Kansas to show their support for their 
brother in blue.
  In addition to this support, law enforcement has a tradition of 
escorting a fallen officer to their place of rest, and as the motorcade 
was headed from Wichita to Phillipsburg, it passed through my hometown 
of Plainville. The videos I saw showed hundreds of first responders and 
community members lining the streets, waving American flags and 
saluting a fallen hero. This moment serves as a reminder to all of us 
that we more in common than we have apart.
  Our men and women of law enforcement, officers like Brandon, put 
their lives on the line every day in dedication to serving their 
community. They selflessly stand between those they have sworn to 
protect and those that wish to do them harm, sacrificing much for the 
sake of their families, friends, and communities. While we can never 
repay the sacrifice of Brandon, we have a responsibility to honor his 
memory and make certain his sacrifice is never forgotten.
  To Brandon's family, friends and loved ones: I am sorry for your 
loss. May God comfort you during your time of grief and be a source of 
strength during this difficult time.
  Brandon served his community with integrity, honor, and respect. May 
we never forget his memory and his service, and may we each strive to 
live up to the values he swore to protect.

                          ____________________