Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — What makes a strong community isn’t just who lives there - it’s who’s willing to protect it, no matter the cost. The men and women at Gulf Shores Fire Rescue (GSFR) display this willingness to serve their community exceptionally. This includes protecting Gulf Shores residents and visitors of our beautiful beaches. Gulf Shores Firefighters and Lifeguards are dedicated and passionate individuals who put their community first. Whether they’re responding to emergencies, protecting our beaches, or offering a reassuring presence in times of need, GSFR is committed to making the City of Gulf Shores the safest city in America by setting the standard for preparedness and emergency response. 

Gulf Shores Fire Rescue isn’t just dependable by the sense of the word - it’s nationally recognized and certified. The Department is made up of 72 Full-time Firefighters, including 57 certified Paramedics. Certifications within the department include: Alabama Smoke Diver (24), EMT (15), etc. For the full calendar year of 2024, GSFR completed a total of 37,036 training hours. 16,402 firefighter training and over 5,000 hours of EMS training, while new EMS providers added 11,000 hours of academic coursework. Gulf Shores Beach Rescue also met rigorous certification standards, contributing over 3,300 combined hours in medical, rescue, and physical training. GSFR holds an ISO Class 1 rating, which is the highest possible score a fire department can receive. This elite designation places them in the top 1% of departments nationwide, based on rigorous evaluations of response times, training, equipment, staffing, and water supply. For residents, that means faster response when it matters most, better insurance rates, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're protected by one of the best. 

BUY A SMALL ITEM TO SUPPORT THE FIREFIGHTERS HERE

In 2012, GSFR created a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit association supporting our city’s firefighters. The Gulf Shores Fire Rescue Association exists to provide additional support to our firefighters and their families in times of need. This association is made up of a group of members from the Gulf Shores community whose mission is to support Gulf Shores Firefighters and their families in ways that are not possible with municipal funding. These funds could go towards family emergency care, mental health assistance, and health care assistance. It also provides support to Gulf Shores’ seasonal lifeguards, who do not receive traditional benefits. 

Mental health support is a significant part of the association’s mission. Gulf Shores firefighters are regularly exposed to some of the most tragic and traumatic situations within the Gulf Shores community, experiences that can leave a lasting impact. The association is dedicated to providing resources for those coping with the emotional weight of the job. Alabama’s workers’ compensation does not cover PTSD, leaving firefighters with limited access to mental health resources - so the association steps in to cover the cost of counseling out of pocket.GSFR also has a peer support team in place, a crucial system that checks in with responders after difficult calls. By offering immediate support, it helps reduce the emotional toll and ensures firefighters stay mentally strong, connected, and ready to serve. 

The Gulf Shores Fire Rescue Association holds many community events, fundraisers, and opportunities to donate throughout the year. The Association’s biggest fundraiser of the year is the annual Golf Tournament. 30 teams of 4 play 18 holes of Golf at Craft Farms Golf Club. The event encourages sponsorships that range from hole sponsors to title sponsors. This year, the tournament is on September 19th, 2025. All sponsorships and proceeds go to the Association to aid our GSFR and their families. Other fundraisers and opportunities to donate include the 9/11 Stair Climb, the Annual Fire Department Picnic, and having merchandise for sale online and at Fire Station 1. 

Supporting the Gulf Shores Fire Rescue Association is about showing up for those who always show up for us. When we back our firefighters, we strengthen our entire community. GSFR shows up continuously for our community, let’s show them our support! The Gulf Shores Fire Rescue Association plays a vital role in making sure these heroes are cared for, both on and off duty. Every donation, sponsorship, or purchase directly impacts the people who show up for us in our most critical moments. As Gulf Shores continues to grow, so does the need to stand behind those who protect it. Whether you’re a resident, a business, or a visitor who’s felt the peace of knowing help is just a call away, your support matters. Together, we can ensure our fire and beach rescue teams have the resources they need to serve with confidence, compassion, and the excellence our city deserves. 

To donate, please visit Gulf Shores Fire Rescue Association.