MOBILE Al’s. (WPMI) — At Fire Station Seven just of Rangeline Rd, Engine 7 sits ready to respond, the station’s crew as well.
But on this night, they wear a black stripe over their badges. because the driver of that fire engine, Marcine Crawford, is no longer here.
His name remains on his locker as a reminder of the 10 years of his life that he shared with this department.
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Crawford was among three people who were killed Sunday night when a car collided with Crawford and his motorcycle buddies as they were riding on Highway 158 near Wilmer.
Had that not happened, on this night Crawford might have been here-
Tuesday evening, just a few miles away from the fire station, the annual Mobile Fire Department Awards dinner was being held.
And off to the side, a set of callout gear was on display, as if silently watching the celebration.
The gear belonged to Crawford.
“He was everything the fire service should be about. He was dedicated. He was strong. He liked to see the mission through.”
Mobile Fire Chief Johnny Morris, Jr. says Crawford loved the fire service and had a heart to serve.
And those who serve with him are no less than family.
“We lost another firefighter brother. We’re still processing it. But we’ve had this awards ceremony banquet tonight because, knowing him, he’d want us to keep on keeping on. So, we miss him, because we’re still grieving,” says the chief.
“We spend a third of our lives together. So we’re grieving right now. We want to help support his family.”
And a Baldwin County man says he wants to do that as well.
“A group like this is out in the community all the time doing things and helping people.”
Chris Best hosts a local tv show called Biker Dad TV. He says Crawford was a member of a Christian motorcycle club that spends much of their time helping those in need. Now, he’s planning a memorial rally Thursday at the accident site, with a specific purpose in mind.
“I’m hoping, if nothing else, his friends and family who see this might reach out to us so they can be part of this event on Thursday. That is more about the awareness part of it to get people in cars to look out for us. We’re also hoping, down the road, to do a benefit ride for them and their families.”
