2026 Heroes of the Gulf Coast Honorees included:

Public Safety Police Hero: Officer Dylan Frazier, Gulf Shores Police Department — recognized for saving the life of a severely injured woman by quickly and skillfully applying a tourniquet during a welfare check.  Presented by Ray Collins of New Horizon Insurance.

Public Safety Fire Heroes: Firefighters Travis Willis and Ricky Nolte, Gulf Shores Fire Department — honored for performing lifesaving CPR on a man who collapsed during the Elberta German Sausage Festival. Presented by Mark Ingram of Baldwin EMC on behalf of Gene’s Floor Covering.

Youth Advocate Hero: Sheriff Anthony Lowery — honored, with his team, for coordinating a successful multi-agency effort to safely recover a kidnapped child that was trafficked into Mexico. Presented by Penny Hughey of Lee Charities on behalf of Brett-Robinson.

Workplace Hero: Ian Hantz, Baldwin County Highway Maintenance — honored for rescuing a child that was swept into the dangerous flood waters as the family evacuated their home, while he was working a road closure detail. Presented by Patrick McCarty of Paradise Electric.

Water Rescue Heroes: Captain Bryan Watts Jr. and First Mate Fisher Paisley of Water Dog Charters — recognized for rescuing two men clinging to a capsized boat miles offshore, saving their lives.  Presented by Jordan Bodenhamer of Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals

Good Samaritan Hero: Richard “Henry” Henry of GTs on the Bay — honored for stepping in during a medical emergency and helping save a guest despite having no formal medical training.  Presented by Debbie Preski of Seacrest Furniture, and Anchor Pawn.

Youth Good Samaritan Hero: Alissa Hendricks — recognized for her ongoing dedication to helping an elderly neighbor in need, while also great leadership and compassion to her school and her community. Presented by Mimi Henning of Columbia Southern University.

Medical Hero: Micah Todd — recognized for heroically rescuing a man trapped inside a burning RV (with no fire training) after being first on scene to a structure fire, actions that directly saved the victim’s life.  Presented by Katie Spratlin of Baldwin Health.