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;