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Special Agent Mike Gillis died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Agent Gillis was an Alabama Army National Guard veteran who served with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for 30 years and also served with the Samson Volunteer Fire Department.
COVID-19 and Law Enforcement
Special Agent Michael L. Gillis died on January 23, 2021 of COVID-19 contracted in the line of duty. He was 59.
He is one of 885 officers honored here, and one of 2 at Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Beginning in early 2020, law enforcement officers across the country contracted COVID-19 in the course of their duties. While much of the nation sheltered at home, they kept answering calls, making arrests, transporting prisoners, and working face to face with the public. There was no distance to be had from the job.
Corrections officers were hit hardest. Confined facilities and large populations meant constant, close, unavoidable exposure.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, granddaughter, and mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp5qs63gfgpqah40vank- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Michael. Claim this record.
Also honored at requiem.nw, salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 3 gates. Michael is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
The country locked its doors. You kept working.
Special Agent Gillis gave the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency 30 years.
Thank you for your service to the Montgomery community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Gillis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Michael L. Gillis served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Illness
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to illness.
Michael is one of 23 officers lost to illness in AL, 3.6% of the 643 remembered there.
Michael is one of 2,028 officers lost to illness in the United States, 7.4% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Michael is one of 2,979 officers lost to illness worldwide, 8.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2021, 10 officers in AL were lost to illness, more than in any other year.
In 2021, 564 officers in the United States were lost to illness, more than in any other year.
In 2021, 566 officers worldwide were lost to illness, more than in any other year.
Who
Michael was 59. Of the 23 lost to illness in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 44 and 57; the middle age was 50. Michael had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 20.5 years.
Michael was 59. Of the 1,996 lost to illness in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 42 and 58; the middle age was 51. Michael had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
Michael was 59. Of the 2,916 lost to illness worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 56; the middle age was 49. Michael had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
When
January holds 17.4% of these deaths in AL; August holds the most, 21.7%. Saturdays: 21.7%.
January holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States; October holds the most, 14.9%. Saturdays: 13.9%.
January holds 9.9% of these deaths worldwide; October holds the most, 12.6%. Saturdays: 14.8%.
How
Illness deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Illness deaths account for 3.6% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 4th most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 7.4% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 8.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 3rd most common cause.
His people
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has 2 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Military Service
Michael L. Gillis served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Michael L. Gillis’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are honored on badge.nw.
