Dedicated doctors
By MATTHEW TEAGUE, Staff Reporter, Mobile Register, Jul.
9, 1998.
The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences'
laboratory was
named Wednesday for Mobile's first state medical examiner, Nelson
Grubbs, and his successor, Leroy Riddick.
The decision to rename the building was made
by Gov. Fob James
and the Alabama Legislature. Friends and family of the two doctors
gathered outside the laboratory Wednesday to laud Riddick and
remember Grubbs.
Now formally named the Alabama Department of
Forensic Sciences
Nelson Grubbs-Leroy Riddick Building, the laboratory is part
of the USA Medical Center complex in Mobile.
Grubbs, called Doc'' by his co-workers, started
the Mobile
Crime Laboratory in 1939. He helped solve thousands of cases,
investigating
unexpected or violent deaths through medical tests and autopsies.
He was remembered Wednesday for his colorful
stories and long
hours in the lab, sometimes working 20 hours a day, right up to his death in
1976.
It's been so good to hear you speak about him,''
the doctor's
daughter, Addigene Grubbs Harbor, told about 50 people at Wednesday's
ceremony. Thank you for adding to my memory scrapbook.''
Riddick became a state medical examiner in 1979.
His background
was extensive: He had a bachelor of arts degree from Princeton
University,
a master of arts degree from Columbia University and a doctorate
of medicine from the New Jersey College of Medicine. He trained
as a pathologist in New York City's forensics office, then
became
a medical examiner in Washington, D.C.
As director of the regional office of the Alabama
Department
of Forensic Sciences, Riddick has directed thousands of investigations,
and often personally examines evidence in questionable deaths.
His daily duties might include conferring with
victims' families,
determining any public health risks that might arise from his findings,
advising law enforcement agencies, or testifying in court.
I am touched by all this, and somewhat embarrassed,''
Riddick
said. I've heard that buildings are only named after people
who
are retiring or dead.''
Riddick thanked his co-workers, and his family,
especially, for keeping him
human'' in the face of death every day.
Mostly though, I want to thank some people who
cannot be here:
A thousand victims from whom I have learned so much,'' he said, then
gestured toward the building that now bears his name.
This is a house of tragedies,'' he said. But
sometimes the
explanation of a death can lead to justice, and even some closure.''
BILL STARLING /Staff Photographer State
Rep. Yvonne Kennedy is flanked by
portraits of Dr. Nelson E. Grubbs, left, and Dr. LeRoy Riddick as she speaks
at
Wednesday's dedication ceremony. Below, Riddick, at right, shakes hands with
state Rep. Victor Gaston during the dedication.
This article reproduced with special permission
from the Mobile Register.
