HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Funeral arrangements have been announced for Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby, killed in the line of duty on March 28, 2023. His fellow officer, Albert Morin, was critically wounded, but is expected to survive.
Funeral arrangements for Officer Garrett Crumby:
The visitation and funeral will be at Mayfair Church of Christ, 1095 Carl T Jones Drive.
Visitation: Sunday, April 2, from 3 – 6 p.m.
Funeral Service: Monday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m.
The burial will be at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park on Monday, April 3, following the funeral service in Huntsville. Governor Kay Ivey has ordered flags statewide to fly at half-staff on the day of Officer Crumby’s interment on Monday, April 3, 2023 and remain lowered until sunset that day.
At a news conference, Chief Kirk Giles and other officers remembered Officer Crumby and praised Officer Morin. Deputy Chief Michael Johnson, who was West Precinct Captain over Officers Crumby and Morin, remembered Crumby. "He's known among his squad as the sweet tooth guy. He was always known for coming to roll call with food, particularly a honey bun or a Subway sandwich and sometimes a cocktail of a Monster drink and coffee. I can tell you, he was also noted for being the caregiver personality. He cared for the citizens that he dealt with and he also cared for his family."
About Morin, Johnson said, "He loved the outdoors as well and found his solace in hiking here in the Tennessee Valley and enjoyed those most of those hikes by himself. We kind of called him the get it get it job done guy. He loved to take on extra work. He usually didn't have much to say. As a captain, I would have to ask sometimes his supervision, Hey, why is this guy so quiet? But I will tell you, he made no bones about it, that the filter in the water fountain at the West Precinct need to be replaced."
In a statement, the department said:
Crumby joined HPD in August 2020 after serving with the Tuscaloosa Police Department (TPD) for nearly seven years as a patrol and field training officer. He worked for HPD’s West Precinct and was known by fellow officers for his positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Family was important to Crumby, described by colleagues as someone who would do anything for not just those he loved, but for anyone who needed help. In 2022, Crumby joined HPD’s Bike Unit and regularly volunteered at local events to give back to his community.
In Crumby’s most recent employee evaluation, one of his supervisors described him best, “Although Officer Crumby’s tenure with HPD is young, his heart is big and his drive is pure.”
Crumby aspired to become an HPD investigator with hopes of joining the department’s Financial Crimes Unit during his career.
A leader among his peers
Morin, who joined HPD in August 2017, is described by officers as someone who is dedicated to his day-to-day duties. In 2022, a supervisor said Morin was the most productive officer on his squad.
With a quiet, more reserved nature, Morin always goes the extra mile and stands out as a leader among his peers.
“Officer Morin is a shining example to the public of the quality of service that is expected to come from the Huntsville Police Department,” his supervisor said. “Officer Morin frequently responds to calls and helps junior officers in situations that are new to them.”
In 2019, HPD named Morin its West Precinct Officer of the Year.
HPD has received a number of requests from citizens and companies wanting to make donations. Private funds are being established through Redstone Federal Credit Union to help support the officers’ families.
Condolences can be sent to Crumby’s family and get-well cards can be sent to Morin c/o HPD P.O. Box 2085 Huntsville, AL 35804.
Earlier story:
The Latest: Jail records show that Juan Robert Laws, 24, was arrested by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and booked into the Madison County Jail on a charge of capital murder of a law enforcement officer. He is being held without bond.
Two Huntsville police officers and one civilian were shot and taken to Huntsville Hospital earlier today. Officer Garrett Crumby succumbed to his injuries at Huntsville Hospital. Officer Albert Morin is out of surgery and remains in critical condition but is expected to survive, according to a statement from ALEA.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor issued the following statement concerning fallen Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby, who tragically passed away after being struck by gunfire on Tuesday, March 28, while responding to an incident involving shots fired at the complex on Governors House Drive in Huntsville:
“Last night, Alabama lost yet another hero in blue and public servant who faithfully served our state and the city of Huntsville. Once again, our state and the law enforcement community will have to find a way to endure the heavy loss of Officer Crumby, who gave his life while fulfilling his sworn duty to protect the public ahead of his own personal safety. On behalf of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, I would like to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to Officer Crumby’s family, his colleagues with the Huntsville Police Department and to all those who knew and loved him.
"In addition to Officer Crumby’s heroic sacrifice, our thoughts and prayers are also with his colleague, Officer Albert Morin, who was also struck by gunfire over the course of the incident. Officer Morin currently remains in the hospital in serious condition, but thankfully, is expected to survive. While we join our fellow law enforcement partners and local first responders in mourning the loss of Officer Crumby, our Agency will continue to provide all available resources to assist the City of Huntsville and the Huntsville Police Department as they continue to grieve and cope with this heartbreaking situation.”
Attorney General Steve Marshall has released the following statement concerning the line-of-duty death of Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby.
“Tonight, our State grieves the death of another member of the law enforcement community—one who, when called upon, ran toward danger in aide of a female victim,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall.
“Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby and fellow Officer Albert Morin were responding to an emergency domestic violence call for service when they were ambushed by an armed suspect. The suspect had already shot and injured a female victim who was present on the scene.
“Both officers were transported by ambulance to Huntsville Hospital where they received emergency treatment. Officer Morin is now out of surgery and remains in critical condition, while Officer Crumby did not survive his injuries.
“Our part of the country has been reminded again this week of the pure heroism of those who make up the thin blue line—the dividing line, at times, between life and death for the citizens that they swear an oath to protect. These two law enforcement officers responded to a domestic violence call this evening, knowing full well that they would be placing their lives on the line in defense of their fellow man. We must never take their service and sacrifice for granted.”
“Officer Crumby was a three-year veteran of the Huntsville Police Department. He previously served for eight years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department. He is the first Alabama police officer to fall to gunfire this year, but the third to be shot in the line of duty. “
Statement from Huntsville Police:
A Huntsville Police Department (HPD) officer died in the line of duty and another suffered life-threatening injuries Tuesday following a shooting in the 4600 block of Governors House Drive.
One officer succumbed to his injuries at Huntsville Hospital. The second officer underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition. Their identities are not being released at this time.
“This is a devastating loss for the our department, the Huntsville community and the State of Alabama, HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family as they mourn their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice. As we grieve with our fallen officer’s family, we have another officer fighting for his life. Please keep all our officers and the entire department in your prayers.”
The offender and the female shooting victim are at the hospital receiving treatment.
“This is a painful night for the City of Huntsville and for our police family,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “We are heartbroken. Words cannot express our loss. We have been overwhelmed by the show of love and support from our community, and we stand united with our police officers and their families in this tragic moment.”
The deceased HPD officer will be transported by Madison County Coroner Dr. Tyler Berryhill on Tuesday night to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville. An autopsy will be performed Wednesday morning.
The Huntsville Police Department would like to thank the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison Police Department for assistance answering calls in the City of Huntsville while HPD officers grieve this tragic loss.
Huntsville Police has requested the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) lead the investigation. Any further questions about the investigation should be directed to SBI.
Earlier story:
The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) responded to a shooting call at 4:45 p.m. in the 4600 block of Governors House Drive. When officers arrived, a female shooting victim was located.
Two responding HPD Officers were shot by an offender at the scene. The Officers were transported to Huntsville Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The offender barricaded himself inside an apartment at the scene.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded and assisted Huntsville Police. The offender was apprehended around 6:20 p.m. and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Statement from Congressman Dale Strong:
Two Huntsville police officers were shot in the line of duty tonight, an absolutely tragedy. Details are limited at this time as a stand-off is ongoing, but I am following the situation closely. My prayers are with the officers and their families.
Statement from Alabama State Representative Rex Reynolds:
Prayers for our Huntsville Police Family! Prayers of strength for all of our Officers, Chief Giles and his command, and our city!
Earlier story:
Just before 6:00pm, Huntsville Police representatives confirmed there is a barricaded subject in an apartment on Governors House Drive and asked people to avoid the area of Jordan Lane near Bob Wallace Ave., 9th Ave. and Governors House Drive due to the heavy police presence.
The shooting took place in the 4600 block of Governors House Drive.
This is a developing story and FOX54 will update you as more information becomes available.