Marc D. Anderson,
AL.com/Mobile Press-Register
Gulf Shores Fire-Rescue firefighters are close to becoming video music stars as participants in ABC's "Good Morning America" firefighters' competition.
As part of the competition, "GMA's 5 Alarm Firefighters Challenge," fire departments from across the country were asked to submit their own rendition of the song "Safe and Sound" by Capital Cities for a chance to compete live on the morning TV show with the winning department going home with $10,000.
In addition to the video, each participating department were required to submit a brief essay, up to 200 words, describing what the department or fire house was most proud of and how it would spend the $10,000.
The two-minute video -- directed, choreographed, filmed and edited by Jamie Parks of South Baldwin Dance Center and her husband and Gulf Shores fire medic Justin Parks -- features firefighters lip-syncing to the popular song through picturesque Gulf Shores, including dance scenes with a smoky backdrop and even a beach rescue.
On Monday, the department was notified by GMA that it was being considered as a final candidate for the series with a decision being made on Wednesday.
If Gulf Shores makes the cut, it will be among nine semi-finalists with their videos broadcast during the show on July 9-11. Viewers will be asked to vote on their favorite video at goodmorningamerica.com.
The top three vote-getters will become finalists.
Each finalist must designated three members from the video to represent the department live on "Good Morning America" during the week of July 14-18. The segments will feature physical and knowledge-based competitions. Each department will earn points with the highest scorer earning the prize money.