GULF SHORES, Ala. — It is every little boy’s dream to grow up and be a fireman or a policeman.

Opportunities to catch the “bad guy” or save someone from a burning building, is not just a scene you might see in a movie, it is everyday life for those in law enforcement and emergency management.

Sometimes, however, it is the little things that matter the most.

A group of Gulf Shores firemen were recently recognized at a City Council meeting, not just for their hard work, but for the way they continue to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Over the past several weeks and months, the fire department has received calls and e-mails from a number of people regarding the effort of a specific group of firemen while they are on call.

Capt. George Surry, along with officers Josh Smith, Michael Lucas and Wayne Redditt were recognized by Deputy Chief Keith Martin.

“This past Saturday, they responded to a call where there was an injured infant. Before they got there, the bleeding was under control, so the mother decided that she would take the infant to the hospital herself,” Martin said.

That was fine with the firemen, but they did not just leave and head back to the station.

“They assisted the woman, who had two other children, by showing them the fire truck while she got her things together, they helped her get her kids into the van, and they got her on her way,” Martin said.

The woman, who was visiting from Missouri, said that it meant a lot to her that the firemen were willing to stay and help her get everything under control when they were not obligated to do so.

A few weeks earlier, Martin said the same crew worked a wreck scene where they took extra time with the kids involved, and the parents recognized their special efforts.

Martin said their actions are a direct result of the leadership of Surry and Redditt, who is the leader of that particular crew, and who worked with the Gulf State Park before joining the fire department.

“Wayne worked as a park ranger with the State Park, so he is very familiar with public interaction and how to be a public servant, and he is doing a good job of training these other guys,” Martin said.

Mayor Robert Craft said the community service the firemen have offered will make a lasting impression and will probably bring tourists back.

“We appreciate their leadership in providing that kind of service,” Craft said. “Those folks, because of the way they were treated, will never forget Gulf Shores and they will probably return.”

Recently, the Gulf Shores Fire Department was put on a list by the Alabama Department of Public Health that recognizes highly effective departments.

“When they came out to do inspections, we rated so high on our spot inspections that we received a 100 percent, putting us on the Culture of Excellence list by the state,” Martin said.

Martin gave a lot of credit to Capt. Gary Sinak, who handles the EMS issues for the department.

“Because of what Capt. Sinak has done in making sure that all of the detailed paperwork is taken care of, by doing that, it helps us make sure that we are where we are supposed to be,” Martin said.