Etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., is the name of fallen Huntsville Police officer Garrett Crumby. His name joins the thousands of other law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty before him.
Fallen officers were honored this week in the nation’s capital as part of National Police Week. Representatives from the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) and Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) joined law enforcement officers from across the country as part of the annual observance.
“It was important for me and other members of HPD to be there to honor Officer Crumby,” said Chief Kirk Giles. “National Police Week serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement family. It's a humbling experience to stand among colleagues, honoring the heroes who gave their all serving their communities.”
In December 2023, Attorney General Steve Marshall honored Crumby at the Fallen Officer Memorial located at HPD by presenting a "praying hands" statue and a Proclamation to HPD honoring Crumby. He did this following a graduation ceremony of new HPD officers.
Marshall said at the time, "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."
SEE ALSO: AG Marshall honors Huntsville police officer killed in line of duty
Officer Crumby was fatally wounded after being dispatched to a shooting in progress at a residence on March 28, 2023.
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.
On Monday, HPD representatives attended the 36th annual candlelight vigil on the National Mall. At the vigil, the names of fallen officers, including Officer Crumby, were read aloud to memorialize those who made the ultimate sacrifice. HPD Honor Guard members also participated in cordons that fallen officers’ families walked through on their way to their seats.
Additionally, on Wednesday, HPD representatives attended the Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, where HPD’s Honor Guard members stood watch for the fallen at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
According to data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 136 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2023.
Crumby served with the Tuscaloosa Police Department for eight years before joining HPD, where he served for three years.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.cox@1819news.com or on Twitter @BradleyCoxAL.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
