A chilly evening in Irmo turned into a spirited showdown on the rink, where local skaters laced up their skates not just for competition but to honor a fallen deputy.
Remembering a Life of Service
Deputy Dale Salmond, who served the Richland County Sheriff’s Department from 1999 until his retirement as a patrol corporal in 2021, was remembered for his upbeat attitude and the friendships he forged across the force.
Though he overcame cancer, Salmond’s life was cut short at 53 after he contracted coronavirus, a twist that left his family and colleagues grieving.
The memorial game was organized by friends and fellow officers who wanted to keep his memory alive while generating support for first responders confronting their own health battles.
Among those beneficiaries is Corporal James Reese, a cancer‑fighting responder whose participation underscored the event’s dual purpose of remembrance and assistance.
Organizers say the proceeds will go toward medical expenses and recovery programs for responders like Reese, ensuring that the community’s solidarity extends beyond the ice.