(MSC News)--Flags will fly at half staff Saturday, July 5, across Kansas, as directed by Governor Laura Kelly in honor of a Phillips County Sheriff's Deputy killed, late last month, in the line of duty.

KSNB-TV reports that Deputy Brandon Gaede died on the night of June 27 following his response to a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated in northwest Phillipsburg. Gaede, authorities told the TV station, was shot by the suspect but returned fire, killing him. Gaede was was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Kelly, in a release, says she's ordering flags to fly half-staff in honor of Gaede whose life, she says, "was taken too soon while protecting his community."

Due to the directive issued by Kelly Tuesday, flags are to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on Saturday, July 5, the day Gaede will be honored during services.