Christopher DeLong honored as ‘our hero’ for his sacrifice as he was laid to rest

Family, friends, fellow officers and community leaders gathered to remember Columbia Police Officer Christopher Michael DeLong Jr., who was killed in the line of duty Aug. 29 while responding to a domestic-related call.

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Several hundred law enforcement officers from around the state converged on Riverland Hills Baptist Church Friday for a funeral in honor of DeLong, 29. The packed sanctuary also included state officials, like South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson.

The solemn ceremony recognized DeLong as a devoted husband, father, friend and public servant whose career was cut short just as he was beginning to realize his dream of becoming a police officer. He leaves behind his wife, Hannah, and their two children, Stella and Sutton.

The city posthumously promoted DeLong to lance corporal. Speakers said his legacy would live on through the officers he mentored, the people he helped and the family he loved.

“We honor Lance Corporal DeLong,” Columbia Police Chief William “Skip” Holbrook said. “We honor the husband. We honor the father. We honor the son. We honor the brother. We honor the friend, and we honor our hero, Chris. Your work is complete. Your service matters.”

DeLong is the first Columbia Police officer to be shot and killed in the line of duty since 1974.

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During the service, speakers described DeLong as compassionate, hardworking and deeply committed to his family and his police colleagues. His supervisor and friend, Todd Bailey, recalled sharing meals with DeLong during their shifts, saying those moments reflected the brotherhood they built.

“Being your supervisor was one of the greatest privileges of my career, but being your friend was one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Bailey said of the fallen officer.

DeLong joined the Columbia Police Department on June 10, 2024, and graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in January 2025. He was remembered by Columbia Police Chief William “Skip” Holbrook as an eager learner who routinely volunteered for difficult assignments, helped fellow officers and pursued more serious charges when the evidence supported them.

DeLong was killed during an exchange of gunfire at a southeast Columbia park. Officer David Dymock, who was also shot, was seriously wounded. Holbrook praised Dymock for returning fire, protecting civilians and providing critical information while injured.

“Your actions saved lives,” Holbrook told a tearful Dymock during the service.

“His badge will not be forgotten. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. His family will not be forgotten, and his name will not be forgotten,” Holbrook said.

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