Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Coastal Alabama is marking National Police Week with a special focus on the officers who protect Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, and surrounding communities. Residents and visitors see these officers at work every day on busy highways, in neighborhoods, and around popular attractions. This week offers a chance to pause and say thank you. It is also a time to remember officers who never made it home from their shifts.

National Police Week this year runs from Sunday, May 10, 2026, through Saturday, May 16, 2026. 

The idea for National Police Week dates back to the early 1960s, when Congress authorized a special day to honor peace officers. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as Police Week. Since then, the week has grown into a national tradition of remembrance and support.

In Washington, D.C., thousands gather each year at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial for services that read the names of officers killed in the line of duty. Those ceremonies are echoed by local memorials, flag-lowering events, and community vigils. Even in smaller cities, departments use the week to reflect on the risks their officers face and the promises they make to the public.

Gulf Shores police also work 24 hours a day, with officers based at headquarters on Clubhouse Drive and on patrol through the city. The department is a visible presence along the beaches, major roads, and entertainment districts, enforcing laws and stepping in when problems arise. During peak seasons, they face additional challenges, including large crowds, traffic congestion, and alcohol-related offenses.

In Orange Beach, the police department operates around the clock and is organized into divisions including patrol, marine, investigative, communications, and support services. Officers handle everything from traffic crashes to marine calls on the busy coastal waters. As the population swells with tourists, the department’s mission is to respond quickly and keep residents and guests safe.

Just north of the coast, the Foley Police Department serves a growing city that has become a regional hub for shopping, dining, and recreation. Foley Police emphasize professionalism, integrity, productivity, and politeness as they patrol city streets and respond to calls. This week, many in the community are expressing thanks to Foley officers who are willing to risk their lives to protect others.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office covers a wide area that includes unincorporated communities and supports city police when incidents cross jurisdictional lines. Deputies handle rural patrols, jail operations, and specialized investigations that support smaller departments. Their work connects the patchwork of city agencies into a broader public safety network for the entire county.

Together, the police departments in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley, along with Baldwin County sheriff’s deputies, form a layered system of protection for residents and visitors. National Police Week reminds residents that behind every patrol car, badge, and uniform is a person with a family and a demanding job. Many in Baldwin County say they appreciate those officers not only this week but every day of the year.