OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — An Okaloosa County EMS paramedic has been named the 2026 Community Paramedic of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.
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Andrew Kindle, an Okaloosa County EMS community paramedic, received the national honor as part of the National EMS Awards for Excellence presented by NAEMT and EMS World, according to Okaloosa County.
“We are very proud of Paramedic Andrew Kindle,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “Our Community Paramedicine program has led the state of Florida in excellence to reduce fatal overdoses, patient care, and unnecessary ER visits.
“Andrew is a shining example of how to lead by example, showing passion for his work and empathy for his patients that truly changes lives.”
The award recognizes Mr Kindle for his outstanding contribution to the EMS profession and the patients he has served in Okaloosa County. The awards will be presented Sept. 30 during NAEMT’s General Membership Meeting and at the opening ceremony of the EMS World Expo in Orlando.
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Kindle has helped build and lead Okaloosa County’s Community Paramedicine Team for the past 18 months. His work also has earned him the Emerald Coast United Way’s 40 Under 40 Award and Okaloosa County’s Humanitarian Efforts Award.
According to the county, Mr Kindle is passionate about caring for people who are often overlooked in the community and shares that commitment through frequent training presentations for his department.
“I am truly humbled by this recognition and am proud to serve Okaloosa County in the role of a Community Paramedic,” said Kindle.
“We are out in the public every day delivering care to patients, passing out Narcan, educating people and making sure that the people who need help know that someone cares.”
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Mr Kindle has more than 17 years of experience as a first responder. He is a father, husband, Marine and firefighter who began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps, deploying with the Hurricane Katrina Task Force.
He later entered the fire service, where he became a certified HazMat specialist and worked in North Dakota, Tennessee, and at McMurdo Station in Antarctica.
Kindle continues to serve Okaloosa County EMS as a Critical Care, Tactical Paramedic, and Community Paramedic.
