Staff Report
DEKALB COUNTY, ALA. – On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall traveled across the state, making six stops to honor fallen police officers lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marshall made two stops in DeKalb County.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden welcomed Marshall and the family and friends of fallen officers Deputy Steve Bobbitt and Corrections Officer Mickey Bowen to the DeKalb County Detention Center for the ceremony. Both officers passed away from complications of COVID-19 while working in the line of duty. Deputy Bobbitt passed away on February 3, 2022, and Corrections Officer Bowen on October 27, 2020. Sheriff Welden spoke to the families and told the honored guests that he felt it was his responsibility to keep the legacy of the fallen officers alive. Welden stated, “They were and still are and forever will be a huge part of our lives at the Sheriff’s office. Not a day goes by that we don’t feel the loss.”(Facebook post)
Attorney Marshall presented the families of Deputy Bobbitt and Officer Bowen with a plaque and a set of praying hands. WAFF reported that Marshall said we cannot forget those who sacrificed their health and lives during the pandemic. He spoke of the exponential numbers of first responders that lost their lives during the pandemic and how important it was to remember their sacrifice.
After the ceremony, Attorney Marshall traveled to the Ider Police Department to honor fallen officer Chief Buddy Ray Crabtree. Chief Crabtree passed away on October 30, 2021, from COVID-19 complications. Marshall presented a plaque and a set of praying hands to Chief Crabtree’s wife in his honor.
Ider Police Chief Malone spoke of the visit. Malone said, “We extend our sincere gratitude to Attorney General Steve Marshall for the thoughtful gifts presented to the family of the late Chief Buddy Crabtree. It is a great honor and blessing to witness your dedication in sharing memories and paying tribute to our esteemed Chief and his wife, Mrs. Crabtree.” Malone continued, “As our community continues to mourn the loss of Chief Crabtree, not a day goes by without heartfelt discussions about the impact he had on our lives. His legacy and the profound impact he made are immeasurable. While his shoes are undoubtedly large ones to fill, I am humbled and deeply honored to be entrusted with carrying the title of 901, as our local hero once did. Mayor Lassetter, when hiring me for the job of Chief, told me just how important Chief Crabtree was to this community, and I’m reminded of that daily. I hope to be just a glimmer of what Buddy was to our community.”