Georgia Police Officer, Army Veteran Dies From Brain Cancer At Age 29

CHATHAM COUNTY, GA — A Georgia police officer and U.S. Army veteran died Thursday morning following a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Sgt. Jacob Gililland with the Chatham County Police Department was 29-years-old. He had battled the disease for about two years.

According to his fellow officers, he spent his entire adult life in the service of others. He joined the U.S. Army on July 4, 2012, and after four years of duty, joined the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department in September 2016.

Gililland eventually joined the Chatham County Police Department in July 2019. He patrolled the east side of Chatham County, and later transferred to the department's training division.

"Not only was Sergeant Gililland a valuable member of our department, but he was a beloved one. There are many citizens and fellow officers who have wonderful stories and memories of the time he spent with them," the police department posted on its Facebook page.

"The Chatham County Police Department would like to extend our deepest thanks to our fellow law enforcement agencies and the Two Hundred Club for their unwavering support of Sergeant Gililland and his family," it continued.

Funeral arrangements for Sgt. Gililland are pending. He leaves behind his wife, Melissa, and a young daughter.