The History of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post 660

With heavy hearts the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office Explorer / Cadet Program reports the passing of Gerald Branditz who helped to found the program that inspired hundreds of teenagers to become Sheriff Deputies and local Police Officers.

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GERALD BRANDITZ Obituary

GERALD H. BRANDITZ Gerald H. Branditz passed away on March 28, 2025, at the age of 83. Gerald graduated from Colerain High School then enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his service, Gerry dedicated an impressive 33 years to Hamilton County Sheriff's Department. Beyond his work in law enforcement, Gerry was a devoted coach to his sons - Kevin, David, and Jonathan - helping them grow as athletes and as individuals. His love for baseball went far beyond his family, and he spent nine years as president of Harrison Junior Baseball, working to expand the local baseball park and strengthen the community. His connection to the game even led him to work security at Cincinnati Reds games. Gerry was incredibly proud to serve not only his country, but his community as well from being active in AM Vets Post 13, American Legion Post 199, and VFW Duwel Post 7570, along with being a F.O.P. Lodge 84 past president and part of Snow Lodge #193 F&AM. Gerry will be dearly missed by his children, Kevin (Dotty), David (Anne), and Jonathan (Melony) Branditz; grandchildren: Austin, Alex (Deborah), Ayden, Ty (Sadie), and Emma Branditz; great-grandson, Spencer Branditz; and sister, Esther (Steve) Johnson. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Lorraine Branditz. Visitation will be held at Brater Winter Funeral Home in Harrison, Ohio, on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 2 p.m. until the time of the FOP service at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Masonic Service. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home followed by graveside service with Military Honors provided by Harrison Honor Guard at Glen Haven Cemetery. The Branditz family would like to express thanks to the care team at Cincinnati Hospice Blue Ash for their unwavering care and support during Gerry's time with them. Memorials may be made to the VFW Duwel Post 7570. A funeral home representative will assist with memorials during the visitation. If you are unable to attend, memorials may be mailed (made payable to charity) to Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine Street, Harrison, OH 45030. www.braterfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/registerpublications/name/gerald-branditz-obituary?id=5803190

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Congratulations to Corey Bender a recent HCSO Explorer who is now a Cincinnati Police Officer.

Today, we also remember our fallen brother Deputy D. Gilreath. 💙

Today we stop to remember our fallen
hero from Hamilton County Sheriff's Office who passed on this day in 2021.

Deputy Gilreath had been with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years. Deputy Gilreath died from complications of contracting Covid-19 while in the line of duty. Deputy Gilreath is survived by his wife, three children and sisters.

Please keep the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office,
community and Gilreath family in your thoughts and prayers today.

‼️ REMINDER ‼️

Our next scheduled meeting is tomorrow 02/13. See original post for details.

Our prayers go out to Cincinnati Police Department for the tragic loss of Officer Zick.

Police Chief Teresa Theetge regrets to announce the death of Police Officer Olivia Zick. Officer Zick joined the Cincinnati Police Department in 2019 and served in Districts Five and One.

"Officer Olivia Zick was a kind and compassionate Police Officer that cared deeply about helping others in the communities she served", said Chief Theetge.

Officer Zick's family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

• Do you have an interest in law enforcement and you’re between the ages of 15-21? Then Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Cadets may be for you!

•Participate in ride alongs and hands on training with certified deputy sheriffs.

You’ll learn:

• Building searches and B & E
• Suspect Approach
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Traffic Stops
• Arrest, Search & Seizure
• First Aid
• Auto Accident Investigation

& much more that law enforcement officers encounter on the job!

Come on up to our district 3 office on Monday 02/13 at 8871 Weekly Ln. Cincinnati, OH 45249.

Meeting runs from 630pm-8pm.

We hope to see you there!