23-year Richland deputy, remembered for his positivity, dies of COVID after retirement
A former Richland County deputy is being remembered for his positive impact on fellow deputies and his legacy in law enforcement after his death from COVID.
Dale Salmond, of Columbia, died on Thursday in a hospital from COVID complications, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. He was 53 years old.
“Dale was one of those special individuals that always brightened your day,” Sheriff Leon Lott said. “He was always smiling and loved being a sheriff’s deputy. Dale was a good cop but a great person. We will never forget him.”
Salmond started working with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department in January 1999. He worked in various roles in the department and retired as a patrol corporal in October.
The department said he was a proud father and grandfather who leaves behind a large family. Salmond was also a cancer survivor.
Along with his infectious smile, he was known for his positive attitude, the department said. Salmond’s legacy in law enforcement continues in his son Braylyn who is an officer with the Columbia Police Department.
In a social media post, Braylyn said that his father was his “biggest inspiration.”
Chris Mastrianni, a Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigator who appeared regularly on the Live PD television show, remembered Salmond as a “kind soul who loved his job.”
Salmond once shaved Mastrianni’s head in an event to support cancer patients, the current investigator recalled.
“I was honored to work close with you,” Mastrianni said in a social media post.
Deputy Addy Perez, another former Live PD regular, said Salmond made her laugh every time she saw him.
“You will be missed,” she said.