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Gulfport Fire Department mourns longtime administrative member

A nonprofit that said it serves people across the Coast announced on Facebook that Natasha Tate, an administrative member of the Gulfport Fire Department, has died after 20 years of service.

The post described Tate as a “shining star” known for her warm smile and kind spirit. It said she served as a vital member of the department’s administrative staff, coordinating communications, ensuring smooth daily operations and supporting the team with warmth and professionalism.

Her commitment and service over two decades touched many people, the nonprofit said, offering thoughts and prayers to Tate’s family, friends and her Gulfport firefighting family during a difficult time.

Administrative staff play a key role in municipal fire departments by managing records, scheduling and communications that allow first responders to operate effectively. The nonprofit said Tate’s legacy will live on in the work the department does and in the kindness she showed every day. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Jon Myers

Jon Ross Myers founded Mississippi News Group in 2013. Before founding the organization, he worked at The Daily Mississippian, The Marion Salute and The Southern Sentinel. A Mississippi journalist and writer based in Ripley, he received second place in poetry in the 2025 William Faulkner Literary Competition for "The Garden."