Crowson honored with plaques, gifts, kind words
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Friends, family, fellow judges and many others came together last Friday night to honor retiring Circuit Judge Al Crowson.
Crowson’s final day as presiding Shelby County judge was last Thursday.
&uot;It’s been a great 17 years,&uot; he told those gathered last week.
Crowson received a number of honors and gifts during the reception.
Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry presented Crowson with a plaque from his office.
&uot;We appreciate your leadership, your friendship through the years,&uot; Curry said.
The Shelby County Commission passed a resolution honoring the longtime judge for his &uot;untiring devotion to excellence.&uot;
&uot;It is proper to recognize the distinctive contributions made by D. Al Crowson in enhancing the quality, diversity and reliability of the judicial office in which he served in Shelby County,&uot; the resolution stated.
Shelby County Commissioner Lindsey Allison said the commission wished to &uot;honor our judge that we’ve been so proud of.&uot;
Alabama Supreme Court Justice Patti Smith, former Shelby County Juvenile Court judge, presented Crowson with a plaque from the state’s Unified Justice System honoring him for his service.
&uot;You really epitomize what a circuit judge or presiding judge should be,&uot; she said.
Shelby County attorney Bill Williams presented Crowson with a plaque on behalf of the county Bar Association.
&uot;As presiding judge in Shelby County, you brought structure and unification,&uot; he said. &uot;We have thoroughly been blessed by you.&uot;
Representing the county’s district attorney’s office was assistant DA Bill Bostick.
&uot;Al Crowson was the right man at the right time with the right skills,&uot; he said.
Judge Michael Joiner presented Crowson with gifts from his fellow judges and judicial assistants.
&uot;We have been dreading this day for years,&uot; Judge Michael Joiner said.
Judge Crowson’s secretary ended the congratulatory remarks with a tribute of her own.
&uot;He’s been a world of things to a lot of people – a father, a husband, a grandfather – and he’s been a friend to all of us,&uot; she said. &uot;But in 17 years, I’m the only one who had the privilege to call him boss.&uot;