Family and fellow officers gathered this morning in Huntsville to remember the life of slain police officer Garrett Crumby, recounting a humble life in public service cut short last week.

Crumby, 36, died following a shooting Tuesday afternoon at an apartment complex on the 4600 block of Governors House Drive. Another officer, Albert Morin, 34, was seriously wounded by is expected to recover. An unnamed woman was also injured.

Juan Robert Laws, 24, currently faces a charge of capital murder of a law enforcement officer. He is expected to face additional charges.

In the hourlong service at Mayfair Church of Christ, several shared memories of the Mississippi native, who came to Huntsville by way of Tuscaloosa police, and distinguished himself in a short time on the force before his tragic end.

Deputy Chief Scott Hudson of Huntsville police, who read Crumby’s obituary at the service, said many would unfortunately only come to know Crumby through his death.

“There are not enough words we could use to fully describe Garrett – his work ethic, his kindness, his thoughtfulness, and his drive to help others,” Hudson said. “His police service of 10 years in two different communities in this state can continue to impact us all.”

Several speakers said Crumby, a “humble guy,” would have been embarrassed by the service. Stories of the officer included his interest in the weather – culminating in a celebrated meeting with Birmingham meteorologist James Spann -his time as a volunteer firefighter or in Huntsville’s bike unit, and as a police officer who conspired to drive the department’s Mustang while serving the public.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said Crumby was “somebody very, very special” who has inspired hundreds of emails and texts to officials, offering prayers for his family and praise for his service.

“This community honors Garrett Crumby, this community honors the profession,” Battle said.

One of Crumby’s sisters remembered his life before law enforcement as a little boy in a Batman costume standing on the back of a couch, “fully committed to the character.”

“He really did have plans to save us all, from what, at that age, I don’t know,” she said, laughing. “He fiercely loved all of his family and friends.”

Steven Barrett, a friend, remembered discussions that ranged from theological issues to comic book superheroes. During one conversation in particular, Barrett said Crumby told him what was important to him.

“It doesn’t matter how bad it gets out there,” Barrett said Crumby told him. “It doesn’t matter what I deal with on a daily basis. It’s that I show people that I care.”

Crumby’s supervisor for the last year, visibly emotional, stood with other fellow officers behind Crumby’s casket, and told stories of how Crumby loved answering calls to the public. At times, he spoke directly to Crumby, saying how officers have replayed the day he died many times, examining how they responded.

“Garrett, you’d be proud to know your guys didn’t hesitate to try to save you for one second,” he said. “You were never alone. Never.”

Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles urged all members of law enforcement, fire and rescue, and medical profession to stand during the service, and several hundred in the congregation rose.

“Why did we get in this business, if this is how it all ends, if this is what it’s all about?” he asked.

“Why are we doing this? Regardless if you’re fighting fires, fighting crime, or providing medical care to save lives, you signed on because you care. You know there are people who depend on you. You signed on because you know you’re making a difference. It would be chaos without you.”