Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores Police Department has launched a full-time Marine Unit to improve safety on local waterways. The unit is responsible for patrolling the area, helping boaters, and responding to emergencies. The team also supports wildlife rescues and other marine-related issues. Officers are already working on the water this season and plan to grow their team.

The Marine Unit currently includes two full-time officers and will expand to four soon. The addition comes during the busy boating season, when calls for help and safety checks rise.

Officer Ian Wallace brings 19 years of experience. He previously served with the Denver Police Department, where he worked on the Mayor’s Executive Security Detail.

Officer Tim Jones brings 12 years of experience. He served with the Montgomery Police Department as a Motorcycle Officer in the Traffic Unit.

Both officers are trained to respond quickly to distress calls, whether that means helping a struggling boater or rescuing a trapped pelican. The Marine Unit will continue to grow as it protects both people and wildlife on the water.

While the Marine Unit stayed busy on the water, their land-based teammates also had a full month. In May 2025, Gulf Shores officers responded to 2,829 calls for service and made 381 traffic stops. They issued 82 tickets and made 127 arrests, with charges ranging from drug offenses and DUIs to public intoxication and domestic violence.