When Harry Met: John Crane, seaman, police officer, Humane Society official, Santa
“We give thanks to: The shelter and its rescue workers, to our rescue groups, to our fund raisers, to our transport drivers and to those who adopt into Forever Homes.”
The above letter of thanksgiving was in a recent Facebook post by a devoted friend of the Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center, located just off Alabama Highway 77 on Brooke Avenue.
According to Interim Director John Crane, who has been on the job for just a few weeks and is still getting “his feet on the ground” he knows those words of praise were well said.
“We are currently overcrowded with 120 dogs in a facility built to handle 50, and there are about 50 cats in the compound,” he said. “We have a staff of 15 hard-working employees that really work from ‘can until can’t,’ plus a dedicated group of volunteers we appreciate and are very grateful for.”
Crane said they have many adoptions, locally and out of state — “It is not unusual for a volunteer to drive an animal 300 to 500 miles out of state to deliver an adopted animal,” he noted — but need many more to occur.
“Euthanizing an animal is not the best way to solve our overcrowding problem, but soon some difficult decisions will have to be made,” he said. “I’m hopeful our new advisory group can help to come up with a solution to our overcrowding problem.”
Crane is a Gadsden native, having graduated from Gadsden High School in 1972. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 18, was trained as a radio/teletype operator and was stationed in Antigua in the West Indies before transferring to shore duty in Pensacola, Florida.
He also spent time on a submarine, on a secret mission. “That had us submerged (deep underwater) once for three months; that was an interesting time in my life,” he said with a laugh.
After 10 years of military service, Crane left the Navy and applied “to be a cop.” Passing the necessary exams, he was hired as a Birmingham police officer and spent the next 26 years on the force, working in every department, eventually reaching the rank of captain.
Along the way, Crane enrolled in psychology studies at UAB and earned a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in that subject. He did student teaching at Pinson High School.
Upon his retirement from the Birmingham Police Department, Crane applied for the police chief’s job in Gadsden, which was open, and was hired.
Crane is emphatic when talking about his careers as a Navy seaman, city police officer in Birmingham and as police chief Gadsden. “They were all great jobs,” he said, “I enjoyed every minute of each one, but the best job I have ever had is that of playing Santa Claus every year.”
He took on that role five years ago, when people started commenting on his long, white beard and matching hair, telling him he looked like the famous man from the North Pole.
“It has been a soul-satisfying adventure,” the 68-year-old former cop said, not knowing I saw him gently wipe away a tear as he spoke. “Having an excited child climb on your lap to tell you what he wants can be a thrilling experience, whether he or she wants a special toy or game or something personal that they only tell Santa.”
Crane said ofttimes, what a child will say to Santa will tear your heart out as they reveal their special secrets. “It’s hard to say ‘no’ when they ask for something that is just impossible for him to promise,” he added.
This Santa has one special job during the Christmas season: “If a child is sick at home or in the hospital, I will make a special visit, at no charge," he said. “Every child should have the opportunity to see Santa Claus.”
Through the years, Crane has appeared as Santa at many events, including at Noccalula Falls this season.
And once more, before our interview concluded, Crane spoke forcefully that “playing Santa Claus is the BEST job in the world!”
For information about having Crane/Santa visit your ill child or appear at your event, call 256-504-9536 or email gadsdensfinest@gmail.com.
Harry D. Butler, a former broadcaster, is a motivational speaker and author of “Alabama’s First Radio Stations, 1920-1960.” Butler periodically sits down with someone of note, then brings the conversation to readers.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Former police chief says Santa is his best job
