Public Safety

As Fairhope grows, so do expectations for safety and emergency services. Here, candidates respond to questions about staffing, funding, and public safety priorities.

Do you believe Fairhope’s police and fire departments are adequately staffed and resourced? Why or why not?

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Andrea Faust Booth

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jack Burrell

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jimmy Conyers

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    George Ferniany

  • "Our fire department is beginning to reach its capacity as a solely volunteer-run entity. We have not had any challenges responding to calls at the moment, but there have been delays of upwards of 30 minutes in some instances. We need to investigate the feasibility of a part-time paid fire department as the city continues to grow in population and area."

    Joshua N. Gammon

    Place 2

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Tracy Gatewood

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Howell Gibbons

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    David Luc

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Corey Martin

  • "We are incredibly fortunate to have such outstanding police and fire departments here in Fairhope. As our city continues to grow, the demand for additional personnel and resources will grow with it—and that’s something we take seriously. As a council member, I’ve consistently worked to support our police and fire departments in every way possible. We rely on key performance metrics—like response times—to assess whether staffing levels are meeting the needs of our community. Right now, those metrics show both departments are performing at a very high level, but we continue to monitor them closely so we can respond quickly if any gaps arise. We’ve also taken meaningful steps to improve recruitment and retention, including updating policies—such as the police department’s take-home vehicle policy—that previously limited flexibility. Making sure our departments remain well-staffed, well-equipped, and well-supported will continue to be a top priority for me."

    Jay Robinson

    Place 4

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Troy Vickers

Would you support increased funding for public safety? If so, where should it come from?

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Andrea Faust Booth

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jack Burrell

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jimmy Conyers

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    George Ferniany

  • "We have in excess of $10 million dollars per year in revenue. We can reallocate a portion of this excess to public safety improvements, annually."

    Joshua N. Gammon

    Place 2

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Tracy Gatewood

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Howell Gibbons

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    David Luc

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Corey Martin

  • "Absolutely. Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a city, and I would support increased funding if the need arises. One tool we already have in place is the collection of impact fees—which are charged to developers each time new construction occurs in Fairhope. We currently charge the maximum amount allowed under Alabama law, and by law, those funds can only be used for specific purposes. Fortunately, police and fire services are included in those allowable uses. While we already use some of those impact fees to support our public safety departments, we could absolutely allocate a larger portion toward police and fire if future needs justify it. It’s a smart, fair way to ensure that new development helps cover the cost of essential services like public safety."

    Jay Robinson

    Place 4

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Troy Vickers