HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Family, friends and colleagues gathered Monday morning to say goodbye to fallen Huntsville police officer Garrett Crumby. They met at Mayfair Church of Christ, which is also where Sunday's visitation had been held. A full-honors procession then transported Crumby to Tuscumbia, where he was buried at a private ceremony.
'We had no idea how far his grasp reached'
Crumby's life was celebrated Monday by many who had some sort of connection to him - friends, relatives, co-workers from Huntsville and his native Tuscumbia.
He was championed as a "cheerleader among his peers, always giving 110% to everything that he did," according to speakers from the Huntsville Police Department.
It was an immense comfort to a still-grieving family, who said that if there were a mask on his face, "he was Batman, and he wouldn't have it any other way - he really did have plans to save us all."
They said during the service they had no idea how much of an impact Garrett made. "It does give us some comfort to know that he really was truly a good man outside of our family," they said. 'He was as genuine of a person as anyone could be, and we want to hear that from whoever is willing to share a story."
Final rest
Following the service at Mayfair, Crumby's casket was prepared to leave Huntsville as a procession began its journey to Tuscaloosa for final burial at a private ceremony.
Spectators gathered at the intersection of Whitesburg Drive and Airport Road to pay their respects. Representatives from other municipalities and law enforcement agencies participated in the motorcade.
For Emily Henn of Arley, the gathering representing the far-reaching scope the tragedy has had. "To me, it's important to show that we all do care and that it's more than just the officers of any state or any country," said Henn. "I feel the losses. We're here to support the community."
John Crocker of Athens is the father of an HPD officer. He attended to show condolences for the loss of his daughter's coworker.
"All I can say is a word of appreciation for her, as well as all of the officers who are serving," he said. "Thank you for your service. That's why I'm here."
The procession traveled from Whitesburg to California Street. There, emotions were high for members of Huntsville Fire and Rescue who had gathered to give support and arch their ladders as the convoy traveled underneath. Jerry Cox, watching from this vantage point, said Crumby patrolled his neighborhood. Today, he made time to honor the officer's legacy.
"He protected my family for the three years that he was in the West Precinct," Cox said. "I just needed to come out and give him a few minutes of my time, and thank him for protecting my family and for serving the people of Huntsville."
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It is the finale of a weekend of public mourning which began Friday with a candlelight vigil for Crumby. Digital billboards throughout the city have also displayed a police badge with a black bar, the symbol of mourning a fallen officer, on a blue background with the word 'Prayers' in all capital letters.
"You're looking at one badge right now," said Madison County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Brent Patterson outside the church on Sunday. "There is no city badge. There is no county badge. There is no state badge. It is one badge. We stand in unison together as one and we're going to do that.
"In the next few days, we're stepping up to take care of these families who are grieving right now," he continued. "Crime doesn't stop and that's what people don't understand sometimes, is people think that we can grieve and just put our badge down. That it's not the way it goes. Crime doesn't stop. We step up. We make sure that that the citizens of Huntsville have adequate support to make sure that everything gets handled."
What happened?
Officer Crumby died Tuesday as a result of gunshot wounds he received while responding to a call at an apartment on Governors House Drive. He and responding officer Albert Morin were responding to a shots fired call at the apartment. A female victim, also shot, was found at the scene.
All three victims were taken to Huntsville Hospital in critical condition. Crumby succumbed to his injuries. Morin went through several surgeries and is expected to recover; the status of the female victim, whose name was not released, is not known.
A single suspect is believed responsible for all three shootings and was arrested following a short standoff with officers.
Who was Officer Crumby?
At a briefing Wednesday, Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles and Deputy Chief Michael Johnson gave more background on Garrett Crumby's career. He joined HPD in 2020 following seven years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department. He worked with the HPD Bike Unit.
Crumby had a "sweet tooth" and a "big heart," they said. They smiled recounting his frequent appearances at roll call with honey buns or Subway sandwiches and caffeinated drinks. They also said he was a regular volunteer at local events and had plans to eventually join the Financial Crimes Unit.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Officer Garrett Crumby Memorial Foundation at any Redstone Federal Credit Union branch. The account will remain open for six months.