Blog Layout

Officer Hester Honored for Kindness to Stranded Driver

Erica Thomas • February 5, 2025

Gulf Shores Police officer fills up the gas tank for a stranded motorist


Photo: Gulf Shores Police Facebook Page

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores Police Officer Timothy Hester went above and beyond the call of duty to help a stranded motorist. Officer Timothy Hester used money out of his own pocket to get gas for the woman who had broken down on the side of the road. 


He said when he arrived on the scene, the woman told him she was on her way to pick up her kids. 


“I mean, as a somewhat struggling parent myself, I had a feeling that money may be tight for her,” Hester remembered. “And I figured that was $30, $40 she might be able to use toward presents for her kids. Or it might be just one less thing that she had to worry about, being able to get from one place to the other.”


Hester was selected as the Patrol Officer of the Month in December following his good deed.


“Officer Hester was highlighted as representing the department professionally while keeping a calm demeanor in stressful situations,” the department posted on Facebook.


Hester said the attention he is getting is highly embarrassing. After nine and a half years of being in law enforcement, he said he is thankful to have a job where he can help people.


“This was never my intent to try to get any kind of recognition for this,” Hester said. “I just wanted to help somebody that needed help.”

Share this article w/ Friends...

SpaceX Stock Photo
By R. Ken Cooper March 18, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Residents along the northern Gulf Coast, including Orange Beach, may have the unique opportunity to witness a rare sight in the sky this evening as SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule makes its fiery return to Earth. The spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, along with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, is expected to splash down in the Gulf south of Tallahassee at approximately 5:57 p.m. Eastern Time (4:57 p.m. Central Time).
City Approves Plans for Sand In My Boots Music Event
By OBA Staff March 18, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – At this week's Gulf Shores City Council meeting, several departments shared their plans for the upcoming "Sand In My Boots" concert featuring Morgan Wallen. This new event is taking the place of the Hangout Festival, and all 40,000 tickets sold out just 90 minutes after being announced online.
Orange Beach Breaks Ground on New Veteran's Memorial Project
By OBA Staff March 18, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach Public Works started clearing the site for its new Veteran's Memorial at the City’s Municipal Complex on Monday, March 17, 2025. The existing digital monument sign in front of Community Development is being removed as part of the preparation.
Orange Beach City Hall
By John Mullen March 18, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is moving forward with plans to build a pickleball complex on the city’s recreation campus and will discuss awarding the bid during a joint regular/work session on March 18 at 5 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.
Foley City Council to Vote on Downtown Streetscape Design Funding
By OBA Staff March 17, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Foley City Council is set to discuss and vote on a number of resolutions at its meeting tonight. One of the most items on the agenda involves allocating additional funds for professional services related to the Downtown Residential Streetscape Conceptual Design.
Places to Go and Things to Do on the Gulf Coast this Week
By Jessica A. Taylor March 17, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Spring is in full swing on the Gulf Coast, and this week brings a lineup of events that highlight the best of local entertainment, food, and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish fashion, explore the local music scene, or set sail at the Wharf Boat and Yacht Show, there’s something for everyone. From high-energy festivals to laid-back waterfront dining, the week ahead offers the perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations on the Alabama Gulf Coast
By R. Ken Cooper March 17, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – St. Patrick’s Day originated as a religious feast day in Ireland to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island in the 5th century. He was said to have used the shamrock to explain the Christian Trinity and is often associated with driving the snakes out of Ireland (though this is likely symbolic rather than literal).
Join the Turtle Watch Volunteer Meeting in Gulf Shores
By R. Ken Cooper March 16, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Share the Beach, established in 2005, is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles that nest on Alabama's beaches from May through October. Volunteers play a crucial role in this mission by patrolling beaches, educating the public and school groups, conducting late-night nest observations, and assisting with supply and equipment preparations.
Chef Brody Olive and sous chef Luis Silvestre put the finishing touches to their winning dish.
By OBA Staff March 16, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Alabama’s top chefs have a chance to showcase their skills in the 10th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off, set for May 5, 2025, at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The competition, now hosted by Sweet Grown Alabama, will feature four chefs competing for the title and a chance to represent Alabama at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
Dangerous Storms Expected Today with Tornadoes, Hail, and High Winds Possible
By OBA Staff March 15, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The National Weather Service in Mobile is warning residents of a significant severe weather event expected to impact the area today and tonight. Forecasters say conditions are favorable for a severe thunderstorm and tornado outbreak, with the potential for long-track, violent tornadoes, damaging wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, and large hail up to two inches in diameter. While the morning may be relatively quiet, storms are expected to develop rapidly during the afternoon and evening hours, moving eastward across the region.
Show More
Share by: