Hero Down: Alabama DCNR Enforcement Officer Gregory Gilliland Hit By Car While Riding Bicycle

Lincoln, AL – Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFFD) Enforcement Officer Gregory “Greg” Gilliland died on July 12 after being hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle.

Talladega County Deputy Coroner Josh Vincent said the off-duty, 46-year-old officer was riding his bike in the 1000-block of Speedway Boulevard shortly before 8 a.m. on Tuesday when a car slammed into him, WIAT reported.

Officer Gilliland succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Additional details regarding the fatal collision were not released.

The Lincoln Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation, WIAT reported.

The WFFD confirmed the longtime conservation officer’s death in a press release on Wednesday.

“The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources extends our sincere sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Conservation Enforcement Officer Greg Gilliland as we also mourn his passing during an off-duty accident,” the agency said.

The Talladega County native served his community for 19 years.

“Gilliland’s steadfast commitment to conservation and the citizens of Alabama was evident in the execution of his duties and interactions with the public,” the WFFD said. “We are thankful to have shared in CEO Gilliland’s friendship and career.”

Officer Gilliland was named Conservation Enforcement Officer of the year in 2016, WIAT reported.

“Officer Gilliland has one of the highest case rates in the state with a conviction rate of nearly 100%,” the WFFD said in a Facebook post at the time. “Among peers and members of his community he is well respected and known for being dependable, resourceful, and one who applies the law with fairness and common sense.”

Officer Gilliland leaves behind his wife, Kelli, and his children, Matthew, Jacob, and Alyssa, according to his obituary.

He is also survived by his parents, siblings, and nephews.

Officer Gilliland was laid to rest on July 16.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Enforcement Officer Gregory “Greg” Gilliland, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.