HUNTSVILLE — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall presented a "praying hands" statue and a Proclamation to the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) honoring police officer Garrett Crumby, who was killed in the line of duty on March 28.
Marshall held a press conference Friday in front of the Fallen Officer Memorial at HPD. Earlier in the day, he gave a passionate speech at the HPD Police Academy graduation.
"It is not lost on me that this morning I was welcoming 13 men and women into the profession, and today we are honoring one of our fallen heroes," Marshall said.
Crumby was fatally wounded responding to a shots-fired call near the 4600 Block of Governors Dr. Upon arriving at the scene, officers heard a woman screaming inside an apartment.
Crumby rushed to the cries for help and, upon entering the door, was immediately shot. Investigators say more than 20 rounds were fired in the shootout.
HPD officer Albert Morin told investigators he only saw a man wearing body armor inside, and his training kicked in, and he shot Juan Laws in the leg before he went over the railing to the floor below to call for backup.
Morin was seriously wounded in the shootout as well and was hospitalized for several weeks before returning to work for HPD in July.
Marshall continued, "Uniquely it's been important to me, as Attorney General, that we honor specifically the memory of those heroes that we've lost, but also to be able to honor those departments, as well as the family members of that lost loved ones who continue to deal with the sacrifice that is taking place over the course of their lives."
"The honor today really is to remind the community of a hero who was willing to serve them, but also it is a reminder of what law enforcement does daily to be able to keep us safe. So today, we wanted to be able to do two things for this department and for Garrett’s family, is to remember that March 28 of this year was a sad day that not only did we see remarkable heroism with one of our heroes here today, but also men were willing to respond to be able to help the victim in a time of need. And for Garrett, it ultimately caused him to be able to lose his life, and there's two ways that we want to be able to honor him today." Marshall added
"Today Chief, if you don't mind, I'd like to give you that praying hands in honor of Officer Crumby for the end of watch on March 28, 2023. The other thing that we have, and I'd like to be able to read it at length, is the proclamation honoring Officer Crumby in his life and I'd like to read it for you."
The proclamation states, "For Police Officer Garrett Crumby for his devoted and faithful service to the Huntsville Police Department, end of watch March 28th 2023."
"Lest we forget, let us pause to remember those officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for public safety. Let us all be encouraged as we remember and honor their legacy of commitment, dedication, and service. For it is written: There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
"As Attorney General, it’s a great respect that I award the certificate in remembrance of his devoted and selfless consecration to the service of the citizens of the state of Alabama." It concludes.
Marshall concluded the memorial by saying, "One thing I know is that there are members of this department that worked directly with Garrett. I know that you continue to feel that loss and, particularly for his family that is here for his mom, and his dad, and his loved ones, for his wife. I understand that you continue to feel that loss, particularly in this season. Just know that the men and women that are here today from this department continue to lift you up and you will always, more particularly Garrett, will always be remembered for his service. Thank y’all for allowing us to be here to honor him today."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.Cox@1819news.com.
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