HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A vigil was held Friday night at the Huntsville Police Fallen Officer Memorial on Wheeler Avenue, where community members mourned the loss of Garrett Crumby and prayed for the swift recovery of his on-scene partner, Albert Morin.
The pair were shot while responding to a call at a Governors Drive apartment complex, where one female was found with gunshot wounds. A suspect was arrested following a brief standoff. The three injured parties were taken to Huntsville Hospital, where Crumby was later pronounced dead. Morin and the female victim were in critical condition but expected to survive.
Law enforcement agencies from around the Deep South sent their condolences to the Huntsville Police Department, as did many Alabama lawmakers and organizations.
Friday's vigil was attended by members of the public, law enforcement, and clergy. Representatives included Huntsville Public Safety Chaplain Lonnie Jones, Pastor Rusty Nelson of The Rock Family Worship Center, Dr. Oscar Montgomery of Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church, Pastor John Tanner of Cove Church, and Dr. Mark McClelland of Willowbrook Baptist Church.
Pastor Nelson says he learned Officer Crumby loved "storm spotting" and as rain drizzled during the vigil, “to honor him, he didn't let a storm stop him. So we didn't let that storm stop us either.”
Nelson added, “[Officer Crumby] made a difference to those around him. He was bold. Three days ago, he boldly went into harm's way and gave the ultimate sacrifice...protecting someone who was in need.”
Dr. Montgomery gave prayer for Officer Morin's recovery, “this moment we lift up Officer Albert Morin to you. As we lift him up, we come acknowledging oh God that he is yours, that he is loved by you, and that his life is in your hands.”
Dr. McClelland shares the families of the officers are "going to need us tomorrow and the next day and the next week and the next month. And one by one, person to person, we can make a difference.”
A rendition of "Amazing Grace" was performed by Pastor Adam Nelson, accompanied on guitar by Ethan Sharp.
State flags have been ordered at half-mast per order from Gov. Kay Ivey in mourning for Officer Crumby.
Visitation services will be held Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at Mayfair Church of Christ on Carl T. Jones Dr. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m., with plans for the memorial to be livestreamed.
Crumby will then be taken to Tuscaloosa Memorial Park for a private burial.
Officer Morin continues to recover at Huntsville Hospital; on Friday evening HPD posted a picture of Morin giving "two thumbs up" alongside department leadership.