Master Police Officer Robert John Hall, Columbia Police Department, South Carolina

Master Police Officer Robert John Hall

Columbia Police Department, South Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, July 14, 2020

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Robert John Hall

Master Police Officer Bob Hall died after contracting COVID-19 during a presumed exposure while on duty.

Officer Hall had been assigned to work at several protests between May 18th, 2020, and June 25th, 2020, in which he came in contact with other officers and members of the community.

Officer Hall had served with the Columbia Police Department for 35 years. He is survived by his wife, two children, and grandchildren.

The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement

Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.

Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.

Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.

Bio

Age 57
Tour 35 years
Badge 375

Incident Details

Cause COVID19
Incident Date Thursday, June 25, 2020

communicable disease, COVID-19

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Most Recent Reflection

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MPO Hall,
On today, the 5th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 14, 2025