Robert Hall, a Columbia police officer, died from complications due to COVID-19 on July 14, 2020.
Master Police Officer Robert Hall, known to family and friends as Bob, died in the morning of July 14, 2020, after receiving treatment at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital since July 5.
Hall was a 35-year veteran of the Columbia Police Department.
“Officer Hall exemplified everything that is expected out of a 21st Century police officer – service before self, professionalism, integrity, and compassion,” said Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook.
“MPO Hall was well-known within the City of Columbia’s business and entertainment districts, having played an integral part in event planning and security. MPO Hall served with distinction and honor for more than three decades and has left a lasting legacy at the Columbia Police Department. He will be greatly missed. I ask for everyone’s continued prayers for Bob’s family and the CPD family.”
Hall was a valuable part of CPD’s Special Events Unit, and a familiar face to the community as he assisted with traffic control and security during special events including parades, marathons, and festivals. He was also on duty during protests at CPD Headquarters May 30 and 31.
Originally from Cayce, Hall joined CPD in June 1985 and retired in September 2008, only to return to the law enforcement career he loved two months later.
Before coming to CPD, Hall served for two years as a Cayce police officer. With CPD he served as a patrol officer and member of the department’s SWAT Team. Hall held outstanding instruction certifications firearms, emergency police vehicles, traffic radar and DataMaster field sobriety testing.
An avid firearms and radio collector, Hall also enjoyed riding motorcycles. He is survived by his wife of 37 years and two adult children, as well as grandchildren and extended family.