Family remembers ‘ one of the good ones’ at viewing for slain police officer

Under gray skies spitting rain, Officer Calvin Hall’s family climbed the steps outside Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland for the slain officer’s viewing Monday.

They paused in front of the stone facade and remembered Officer Hall for his love of family, his concern for others and his delight in a great home- cooked meal. The 36- year- old Pittsburgh police officer was off duty when he was fatally shot July 14 during an argument in Homewood.

“He was very energetic, very funny, always smiled,” said Leonard Hall, Officer Hall’s uncle, adding that Officer Hall was constantly encouraging others. “He would be the one to lift you up and give you encouragement.”

Officer Hall’s funeral will be at 11 a. m. Tuesday at Soldiers & Sailors, 4141 Fifth Ave., followed by burial at Homewood Cemetery in Point Breeze.

Officer Hall’s sister, Eugenia Hall Miller, said Monday her family is grieving deeply.

“There are no amount of words I can say to comfort my mother,” Ms. Hall Miller said Monday. “Her heart has been ripped out of her. I have to watch her suffer every day for the loss of her son.”

Police officers were stationed around the hall Monday, and areas of street parking were closed. Officers arrived for the viewing on buses, many wearing a black ribbon over their badges in honor of Officer Hall.

Officer Hall’s aunt, Charlette Hall, said the show of support by the community and police bureau has brought the family comfort.

“We would prefer to have him with us,” she said. “[ But] he made such a big impact, it brings us comfort.”

Officer Hall’s cousin, Cameron Hall, 28, remembered a family conversation when Officer Hall became a police officer.

“There are a lot of stereotypes about police in our community,” he said, referring to the city’s black community. “[ A family member] pulled him to the side and said, ‘ Be one of the good ones.’ And he was.”

Taron Ottison, another cousin, said Officer Hall was determined and pushed others around him to do better.

“He was a go- getter, he was smart,” she said. “He never let anything stop him.”

Christian Bey, 30, has been charged with shooting and killing Officer Hall. Bey had been in custody for a parole violation since Thursday.

Stephanie Strasburg/ Post- Gazette Relatives of Pittsburgh police Officer Calvin Hall, from left, brother Curtis Hall, sister Eugenia Hall Miller and fiancee Angel Warren, talk to the media before Officer Hall’s viewing Monday at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland.

Arriving for the viewing Monday for Pittsburgh police Officer Calvin Hall are, front row from left, Sue Sciullo, Pittsburgh police Zone 5 Cmdr. Jason Lando and Paul “Max” Sciullo. The Sciullos are the parents of slain Pittsburgh police Officer Paul J. Sciullo II, who was killed in 2009. The viewing was held at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland.