Type of Officer: Undersheriff
Jurisdiction: Thomas County Sheriff
County: Thomas
Death Date: June 27, 2025
Added to Memorial: 2026
Circumstances of Death: Gunshot Wound
Brandon Pierce Gaede, age 30, began his career in law enforcement in 2013 as a jailer at the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office. In June 2017, he went to work as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Phillips County. On June 27, 2025, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls throughout the evening of reported explosions or loud booms, all in the same area. At 9:18pm, the Sheriff’s Office received another report of an explosion from the same area. Undersheriff Gaede, still in the area, observed smoke and made contact with a subject standing in the front yard of a residence. The subject admitted to setting off the explosive device. While Undersheriff Gaede attempted to make an arrest, the suspect drew a concealed revolver from his waistband and fired five rounds, critically wounding Undersheriff Gaede. Undersheriff Gaede was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away shortly after arrival. Undersheriff Gaede is survived by his wife Karley, children, Axel, Otto, Emilie, and his father Eric, mother Angie, and numerous other loving family members.
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