For Okaloosa County EMS Community Paramedic Andrew Kindle, caring for people means making sure help reaches them beyond an emergency. His work includes delivering care, educating residents and connecting with people who need to know someone cares.
That commitment has earned Kindle the 2026 National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians Community Paramedic of the Year Award.
Kindle has helped build and lead Okaloosa County’s Community Paramedicine Team over the past 18 months, serving residents whose needs can extend well beyond a single ambulance ride or emergency room visit. “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.”
The county’s Community Paramedicine program brings non-emergency services to residents through scheduled home visits, education and connections to other health care providers. Its goal is to help patients maintain their health while reducing ambulance use and costly emergency room visits.
Community paramedics also participate in the Post Overdose Support Team, known as POST. The partnership brings together Okaloosa County EMS, law enforcement and Bridgeway Center Inc. to provide prompt and ongoing support to people who have survived an overdose within the previous 72 hours. “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.”
A husband, father, Marine and firefighter, Kindle brings more than 17 years of first responder experience to his work. His career began in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he deployed with the Hurricane Katrina Task Force.
He later entered the fire service, became a certified hazardous materials specialist and worked in North Dakota, Tennessee and Antarctica’s McMurdo Station. Today, he serves Okaloosa County EMS as a critical care, tactical and community paramedic.
His dedication has also earned him the Emerald Coast United Way’s 40 Under 40 Award and Okaloosa County’s Humanitarian Efforts Award. Within his department, he shares his commitment to caring for often-overlooked residents through frequent training presentations.
The national honor is part of the National EMS Awards of Excellence presented by NAEMT and EMS World. Recipients were recognized during NAEMT’s General Membership Meeting on Sept. 30, and at the opening ceremony of EMS World Expo in Orlando.
For residents and families, the work being recognized is available close to home. To learn about receiving community paramedicine services or to make a referral, call 850-651-7566 or email OCEMSMIH@myokaloosa.com. More information is available myokaloosa.com/ps/community-paramedicine.
