The Gulf Shores City Council and members of the Fire and Rescue squad have recognized off-duty lifeguard, Matt Palamara, for his actions during a recent event. Matt is known not only for his work with Fire and Beach Rescue, but is also a leader in the Catholic Church and Boy Scouts.

Gulf Shores Fire Chief Mark Sealy stated On the evening of March 15, 2024, Station 1 received an emergency call for a fall located at Our Lady of the Gulf. An elderly male had fallen and severely cut his lower leg with his cane, the patient was alone at the time, but was able to call the church staff for assistance. Off duty lifeguard Matt Palamara happened to be one of those people. Matt quickly jumped into action and applied pressure to the wound using towels and called 911. The bleeding was still severe and uncontrolled after applying direct pressure, so Matt placed a tourniquet made from a belt about 2 inches above the laceration. The patients bleeding had almost subsided when Engine 1 arrived on scene. Matt, then gave a quick and informational report to the crew of Engine 1 and advised then of the patients medical history. Without Matt’s quick thinking the outcome may have been different.

The City Council and Gulf Shores Fire Department recognized Matt Palamara for his actions with a "Life Saving" award.