Columbia Honors Christopher DeLong After His Final Call to Serve Others

 Columbia, South Carolina, is remembering Officer Christopher DeLong, a 29-year-old Columbia Police Department officer whose life was centered on service, family, and a young family he loved deeply. DeLong died on August 29 after being seriously injured while responding to a domestic disturbance call. He had served with the department for two years and leaves behind his wife and two children. His passing has brought grief to relatives, colleagues, and residents throughout Columbia.

The response began after a woman contacted authorities about a man who was subject to a restraining order and was allegedly damaging property at her home. DeLong arrived, spoke with the woman, and learned the man had left. Soon afterward, DeLong located a person and vehicle matching the description at Southeast Park. Officer David Dymock arrived as backup, and both officers were seriously injured during the encounter. Dymock survived and later returned home to continue recovering.

For DeLong’s family, however, the badge tells only part of his story. His wife, Hannah, had known him since she was 16, and together they built a home and family filled with shared years together. Their relationship stretched across many years and became the foundation for marriage, parenthood, and everyday memories. For Hannah, the man she loved was not simply an officer answering calls; he was her husband, companion, and the father of their children.

Their six-year-old daughter, Stella, now faces a future without the father who should have been there for school days, milestones, celebrations, and ordinary moments. Hannah recently described the difficulty surrounding Stella’s return to school and remembered photographs she had taken of Christopher and Stella at the beach. One of those pictures became especially meaningful as Stella prepared to return to class. Hannah has asked the community to show Stella patience, kindness, and understanding while she adjusts to an unfamiliar reality.

Hannah also urged parents to help their children understand what Stella is experiencing so classmates and teachers can respond with compassion. A child grieving a parent may struggle in ways that are not always visible, and familiar routines can suddenly feel very different. The support of caring adults can provide reassurance when emotions are difficult to express. For Stella, having people around her who understand that grief may appear in many forms can make the transition back to school a little gentler.

Christopher’s colleagues are also facing the absence of a fellow officer who answered a call to help someone in need. The Columbia Police Department has described the day as deeply painful for its members, while Dymock’s recovery has provided a separate source of concern and hope. Christopher’s service came during situations that could change quickly, and his final response has left an enduring mark on the department he served. Law enforcement agencies have also offered support to his family.

As Columbia remembers Christopher DeLong, his greatest legacy may be found in the people who knew him away from the uniform. Hannah and their children will carry his memory through family stories, photographs, traditions, and the moments they shared. His colleagues will remember his service, while friends and neighbors will remember the man behind the badge. At 29, Christopher had many years ahead, yet the love he gave his family and the service he offered his community will continue to shape how he is remembered.