Hero's Honor

The Point Park University Police Department has renamed its training center in honor of Calvin Hall, who was shot and killed while off duty in July. Hall spent two years as a Point Park police officer before leaving to join the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

In a private ceremony, Jeffrey Besong, the University's assistant vice president and chief of police, presented Hall’s family with a plaque and gave them a tour of the newly christened Calvin M. Hall Point Park Police Training Center. The main feature of the training center is an audiovisual simulator that trains officers on how to react to high-stress situations.

“It’s still difficult to talk about Calvin and the impact he had on our department,” Besong said. “We had a lot of laughs with Calvin, but he also was a tremendous police officer who took his job — and training — very seriously. Having his name attached to the Center gives us an opportunity to talk about him with our new officers while they undergo training.”

Hall’s family was honored that Point Park would want to create a permanent memorial.

Lasting legacy

“My brother valued his education, as well as his oath to protect and serve. It is such an honor that his legacy will live on through the Point Park University Police Department,” said Curtis Hall, Calvin’s brother. “My family and I are so proud of all his accomplishments, and we are elated that he had such a profound impact on everyone he came in contact with. His infectious laughter and unforgettable smile will be forever imprinted on our hearts.”

In addition to his time as an officer at Point Park, Hall was also a student. At the time of his death, Hall was close to earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

A copy of the plaque given to the family will hang on the wall of the Training Center. The plaque reads as follows:

“Officer Calvin Maurice Hall, October 27, 1982 – July 17, 2019: Calvin made his mark as an exceptional police officer during his two years with the Point Park University Police Department. The Point Park community joins his family, friends and brothers and sisters with the Pittsburgh Police in mourning this terrible loss while honoring his legacy as a great servant and ambassador. Calvin, you will never be forgotten. Your tour is over, and we will take it from here. May you rest in peace.”

Text by Lou Corsaro
Photos by Nick Koehler, senior photojournalism major
The Point is the magazine of Point Park University

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