Kansas House to Consider Renaming Highway for Fallen Deputy

Bill would designate portion of Highway 36 in Phillipsburg to honor Deputy Brandon Gaede

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Kansas Legislature's Committee on Transportation is scheduled to hold a hearing on a bill that would rename a stretch of Highway 36 in Western Kansas to honor Deputy Brandon Gaede, who was killed in the line of duty last June in Phillipsburg.

Why it matters

The proposed highway renaming is a way for the community and state to pay tribute to Deputy Gaede, who was killed responding to a call about illegal fireworks. The bill highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face and the efforts to memorialize fallen officers.

The details

On June 27, 2025, Deputy Brandon Gaede responded to a report of illegal fireworks being detonated in Phillipsburg. During an attempt to arrest the suspect, 27-year-old Kolton Griffith, a struggle ensued and Griffith pulled out a handgun and opened fire on Gaede. Despite being wounded, Gaede returned fire, but Griffith died at the scene. Gaede died hours later at a hospital.

  • On June 27, 2025, Deputy Gaede was killed in the line of duty.
  • In July 2025, Gaede's funeral was held at the Huck Boyd Community Center in Phillipsburg.
  • House Bill 2605 calling for the highway renaming was introduced in the Kansas Legislature in 2026.

The players

Deputy Brandon Gaede

A Phillips County deputy who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call about illegal fireworks in Phillipsburg.

Kolton Griffith

A 27-year-old suspect who opened fire on Deputy Gaede, fatally wounding him.

Kansas Legislature

The state legislature that is considering House Bill 2605 to rename a portion of Highway 36 in honor of Deputy Gaede.

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What’s next

The Kansas House Committee on Transportation is scheduled to hold a hearing on House Bill 2605 to consider designating a portion of Highway 36 in Phillipsburg as the Deputy Brandon Gaede Memorial Highway.

The takeaway

This proposed highway renaming is a meaningful way for the state of Kansas to honor the sacrifice of Deputy Brandon Gaede, who lost his life while serving his community. It highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face and the efforts to memorialize fallen officers.