When he was a boy, ALAN CRENDALL wanted to work in a museum like his uncle JANOSZ POHA. Poha's career ended after being possessed by VIGO THE CARPATHIAN, a malevolent spirit that damaged Poha's mind.
To help Alan cope with the trauma of what happened to his uncle, his mother arranged a meeting with WINSTON ZEDDEMORE of the GHOSTBUSTERS.
Zeddemore's explanation of the Vigo incident was only meant to comfort the boy, but it instead inspired Alan to work toward becoming a Ghostbuster himself. Now that he's on the job, he works tirelessly to prevent any paranormally-caused trauma that he can.