Several Gulf Shores first responders were honored during the City Council meeting July 12. Fire Chief Mark Sealy presented awards.

The Medal of Valor is the second highest honor awarded with Gulf Shores Fire Rescue. Sealy presented the Medal of Valor to firefighter/paramedic Logan Lambert and firefighter/paramedic Matthew Bartle. They knowingly put themselves at high risk of death or personal injury for the purpose of removing another person from harm’s way.

The Meritorious Operation Award was presented to Battalion Chief Wayne Redditt, firefighter/EMT Bill Higginson, Beach Safety Chief Joethan Phillips, Beach Safety Lieutenant Lauren Bozeman, lifeguard Tyler Lancaster and lifeguard Mac Hirsh. On June 5, while in concert with others during an emergency incident, were considered exemplary and primary to the reduction of injury and death to a person or property.

The awards were presented for actions taken during the efforts in which Baldwin County Deputy Bill Smith lost his life while attempting to save several swimmers in the Gulf of Mexico. Five people were rescued due to the actions taken by all first responders involved in this incident.