HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is mourning the loss of Officer Garrett Crumby, 36, who made the ultimate sacrifice following a shooting Tuesday, March 28. Officer Albert Morin, 34, remains in critical condition at Huntsville Hospital, but is expected to survive.
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.
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.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor on Wednesday issued the following statement:
“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.”
On the arrest of the suspected shooter, ALEA said:
“On Tuesday, March 28, at the request of the Huntsville Police Department, Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launched an investigation into an officer‐involved shooting which occurred at 4611 Governors House Drive in Huntsville.
“Huntsville Police Officers were responding to a call at the apartment complex when Juan Robert Laws, 24, shot and injured two Huntsville Police Officers. One Officer was fatally wounded and the other was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Laws was injured during the course of the incident and was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
“After receiving medical treatment, Laws was booked into the Madison County Jail and charged with Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer.
“One female victim was also injured and transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
“Nothing further is available as the investigation is ongoing. Once complete, the findings will be
turned over to Madison County District Attorney’s Office.”
Service arrangements for Officer Crumby, reported by WHNT News 19:
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 2, from 3-6 p.m. The funeral service for Officer Crumby will be on Monday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m.
The visitation and funeral will be at Mayfair Church of Christ, located at 1095 Carl T Jones Drive.
Huntsville Police officials confirmed Officer Garret Crumby will be buried at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park on Monday, April 3, where his body will be taken after the funeral service in Huntsville.
HPD has received a number of requests to make donations. Private funds are being established through Redstone Federal Credit Union to help support the families of both officers that were shot during the incident.
Officials said condolences can be sent to the Crumby family and get-well cards can be sent to Officer Albert Morin c/o HPD P.O. Box 2085 Huntsville, AL 35804.
