Gil Datan Obituary , Death – Today marks the eighth anniversary of the day that Deputy Gil Datan was killed while on the job. Today, April 20, 2015, marks the eighth anniversary of the heartbreaking loss of Deputy Gil Datan, who was working Timber Patrols in rural Coos County at the time of the accident that occurred while he was operating an all-terrain vehicle.
Gil had a terrific sense of humor, was a wonderful friend, was active in his community, and was an outstanding father. It’s a phrase that we hear quite frequently: “A Hero remembered never dies.” Every time I go by “Gil’s sign” on Highway 42 in Green Acres, it brings to mind this topic.
I often reflect on what a wonderful human being Gil was and how fortunate I am to have known him, even if only for a short period of time. Gil’s radio number (524) was taken out of use in 2023 by Sheriff Craig Zanni as a mark of respect for Gil, his family, and the community that he had served. As a direct consequence of this, Gil might not be here among us physically. On the other hand, the memories he left behind and the relationships he fostered will endure for an entire lifetime.