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Fallen Officer Had Recently Gotten Married, Had Baby on the Way

Corporal Dale Hallman died early Friday morning responding to a crime scene.

Saluda, SC (WLTX) - Those that live in the Saluda community are remembering an officer who lost his life in the line of duty.

Corporal Dale Hallman died early Friday morning responding to a crime scene.

According to deputies, officers were chasing a suspect, and the pursuit took them from Saluda County into Edgefield County. When the chase ended, the suspect got out of his car with a rifle and a child. A few moments later, the suspect left the child, who was taken into protective custody.

Officers called for a bloodhound team to track the suspect. Hallman, a member of the Bloodhound Tracking Team, responded to the scene with lights and sirens, but crashed at a location on Pencreek Road. The South Carolina Highway Patrol says Hallman was not wearing a seat belt.

Hallman was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. Deputies say the suspect they were searching for was eventually taken into custody.

Hallman leaves behind a pregnant wife and two stepchildren.

Members of the community wanted to help in some way, and one restaurant has stepped up to the plate.

Mig's Pizza Castle in Saluda wanted to start collecting donations for the family. They started gathering items for the baby on the way for the Hallman family.

George Kerhoulas is the owner of the restaurant, and he said it was important for them to do something.

"He came to the restaurant. He was a very kind gentleman. He and his family ate here. He came and checked on the girls in the evening if I'm not here just to make sure they were okay," said Kerhoulas.

Hallman earned the Medal of Valor back in 2016 for his service in the community.

"It's just a very sad day. Very tragic. He was genuinely a nice man. He'll be missed," explained Kerhoulas.

Members of the family spoke with News 19 and they say he'll be remembered as a brave and courageous man who loved his job, serving his community, and being a part of law enforcement.

Hallman served for the Saluda County Sherrif's Department for five years.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help his family. You can donate through either of the following sites.

Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/dalehallmanmemorialfund

Serve and Connect: https://serveandconnect.net/2018/04/06/corporal-dale-hallman-memorial-fund/

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