By admin 
In the days since Columbia Police Officer Christopher DeLong was killed in the line of duty, an outpouring of support has spread across the Midlands — from residents and local businesses to the officers who served alongside him.
Read more SC colleges face new bathroom law this fall. Here’s what to know
DeLong, 29, was killed Saturday morning near Southeast Park while responding to a reported domestic disturbance. Another Columbia police officer, David Dymock, was wounded in the shooting was released from the hospital Sunday.
As the Columbia Police Department mourns DeLong’s lost, residents have gathered to pay tribute, offer condolences and show their support for the fallen officer’s wife — Hannah DeLong — and their two children, according to Jai-Anne Carter, a department spokesperson.
Serve & Connect, a nonprofit focused on building partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, has established a fundraiser to benefit the families of DeLong and Dymock.
The campaign has raised more than $30,000 toward its $50,000 goal for the death of DeLong and $11K toward a $15,000 goal for Dymock’s recovery.
Organizers said 100% of the money raised will go directly to the families to help with immediate expenses and future needs. The fundraiser was created in partnership with CPD and other agencies, including the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Read more Potion to ward off ghosts is so powerful, family needs hazmat team, NC city says
Beyond that, a state retirement plan for police officers in South Carolina will cover all of DeLong’s funeral-related expenses, according to Carter.
Businesses and community members have also stepped forward with donations and meals for DeLong’s family and grieving officers with the department, Carter said.
Among those offering help include Mission BBQ, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Karen’s Catering and Vicious Biscuit. The businesses provided meals, desserts, an edible arrangement and breakfast biscuits for those working to support DeLong’s family during the days leading up to his funeral, according to Carter.
DeLong joined the Columbia Police Department in 2024 and graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy in January 2025. He was later assigned to the department’s Southeast region.
Funeral services for DeLong are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo. Visitation is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at Dunbar Funeral Home in Columbia.
Read more SC man admits to cattle bid-rigging scheme. Here’s what to know