BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–It’s a scary statistic. Every 60 hours, and officer is killed in the line of duty.
With nine months left in 2016, this year is already proving to be another violent one for law enforcement officers nationwide. So far this year, 25 officers have made the ultimate sacrifice during a time when much of the mainstream media has demonized the profession, causing many in the community to do the same.
“We are the GOOD GUYS! We don’t discriminate because of gender, color, religion,” stated Al Hallman, a former sergeant with the North Charleston Police Department. “We only see one color no matter who we are dealing with…..BLUE! If you feel otherwise, then before you judge us, come ride a shift with us and see for yourself.”
Hallman retired from law enforcement in 2012 after nearly 30 years in the profession. He said he’d be lying if he said he didn’t miss it.
“The job was great, always rewarding, even in the highs and the lows,” Hallman described. “The camaraderie was unmatched in any other profession. I love all my brothers and sisters and blue.”
That’s why he says his heart breaks every time another officer loses his or her life or is injured while defending the community they were sworn to protect.
The recent shooting of Cpl. Kimber Gist made the second in the line of duty injury for the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and one that hit too close to home for Hallman.
On February 26th, 2016, Gist was shot eight times while dealing with a suspicious vehicle parked behind a grocery store on Red Bank Road.
“It hurt, as if I had been shot myself. It’s how every officer feels,” expressed Hallman.
Not long after the shooting occurred, the community rallied behind Gist and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. From “get well” cards to donations and fundraisers, the overwhelming majority of people in Berkeley County and surrounding area let it be known that they support law enforcement.
As a former law enforcement officer, Hallman also felt compelled to help one of his own.
“Cpl. Gist is my sister in blue! We will always be considered a family that bleeds blue whenever one of our own is injured,” stressed Hallman.
Since retiring, Hallman launched a woodwork business called Pallet Rehab. He creates beautiful custom handmade wine racks, mail organizers, shelves, bookcases, coffee tables, etc. from reclaimed pallet wood.
“I am doing a fundraiser for Cpl. Kimber Gist selling “Show Your Support” bird houses for a $50 donation. I will also be putting each donor’s name into a hat, and the person drawn will win a custom coat rack and two custom sconces made by me,” stated Hallman. “I felt it was my job to do whatever I could to help her, and this was what I came up with.”
For those interested in purchasing one of his custom bird houses and being entered in the drawing, they can message Hallman on his Facebook page, Pallet Rehab, or call/text him at (843) 296-3314.
“I plan to run it for as long as I can make the bird houses,” stated Hallman.
Prior Stories:
- Cpl. Kimber Gist Released from Hospital Friday Following Shooting
- 9-1-1 Calls Released from Shooting Involving Cpl. Kimber Gist
- Family of Cpl. Kimber Gist Responds to Community Support
- GoFundMe Account Set up for Deputy Shot Eight Times in Line of Duty
- Coroner: Suspect Accused of Shooting Deputy Commits Suicide, SLED Investigating
- Nearly Century-Old St. Stephen School To Be Torn Down - March 20, 2024
- BCSD Approves $10K Bonus For Special Education Teachers - March 19, 2024
- WakeUp Carolina Celebrates Moncks Corner Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting - March 12, 2024
Recent Comments