Candlelight vigil held for HPD officers Crumby, Morin

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - The Huntsville Police Department held a candlelight vigil for fallen Officer Garrett Crumby and critically injured officer Albert Morin on Friday night.

Both officers were shot when they responded to a domestic violence call on Governors House Drive on Tuesday afternoon.

Over 100 people attended the vigil held at the Huntsville Police Fallen Officer Memorial located at 815 Wheeler Ave.

City leaders and Chaplains took turns speaking on the heroes who put their lives on the line that day.

“He understood that his job wasn’t just to respond to crimes,” said Rock Family Worship pastor Rusty Nelson in regard to Officer Crumby. “But it was about helping others and making connections with the people he served. It wasn’t just what he did, it was who he was.”

Willowbrook Baptist Church pastor Mark McClelland said his heart was full to see so much support for the two heroes but he believes the vigil should not be the final point.

“The family is going to need us tomorrow, and the next day, and the next week and the next month, and we’re just going to have to keep relighting those candles,” he said.

Shortly before the vigil, the Huntsville Police Department shared a photo on their Facebook page of Officer Morin with Capt. Michael Johnson and Chief Kirk Giles, among others, at his bedside.

Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church Oscar Montgomery said the community will continuously pray for a speedy recovery.

“As we lift him up. We can acknowledge, God that he is yours,” said Montgomery. “That he is loved by you, and that his life is in your hands.”

As the city grieves the loss of a hero and anxiously prays for the safety of another, Chaplains McClelland and Montgomery believe the solution starts with the community.

“Remember, our officers are still putting their lives on the line every single day for us and they need our prayers every day and they need our support,” said McClelland.

“Together we make up this city,” said Montgomery, “We must learn to live together peacefully or we’ll perish.”

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