GULF SHORES, AL - Three Gulf Shores firefighters landed in the Big Apple this week to compete in the finals of “Good Morning America’s’ 5-Alarm Firefighter Challenge.” After winning the “dance off” competition on Monday morning, the team was eliminated after coming up just short in the obstacle course on Tuesday.

Although the $10,000 grand prize won’t be coming home to Gulf Shores, it won’t stop community leaders from welcoming Lt. Robert Rowland, fire-medic Nick Anagnostopoulos, firefighter/EMT Logan Lambert and fire-medic/video producer Justin Parks back home on Thursday afternoon with a celebration fit for champions.

“The pride, excitement and support that our fire department has generated through this competition has been unbelievable,” said Mayor Robert Craft. “We couldn’t be more proud of how these guys represented us while in New York and the rally of support they received is a testament to just how special our community is.”

The public is invited to show their support by welcoming the group home on Thursday, July 17 at 4 p.m. at Fire Station One. Festivities will continue until 7 p.m. and will include a BBQ, refreshments and a slideshow recapping the journey throughout the competition.