Niceville Firefighters voted Firefighter Chris Stokes their Firefighter of the Year for 2025.
Niceville Fire Chief Alex Kukulus presented Stokes, a department member since 2024, his award and medal at the January City Council Meeting in front of his shift and citizens gathered for the event.
“He was overwhelmingly chosen by his peers,” Kukulus said of Stokes, “It’s notable as a new firefighter to be selected as the Firefighter of the Year… I see him myself, just his positive attitude, his energy. He’s always out there, training. He raises his hand to be a part of things. He’s on several committees already, so I couldn’t be happier to have him.”
Stokes serves the city as a Firefighter/EMT and is working towards his Paramedic certification at Northwest Florida State College. He’s a 2019 graduate from Niceville High School, where he played on the Varsity Soccer team.
“Chris is an example of a Hometown Hero and a real NHS success story in that he chose a career that gives back and serves his community,” said Niceville High School Principal Charlie Morello.
Currently, Niceville is working toward having enough Paramedics on its staff to become ALS certified. This certification, carried by most of the cities in Okaloosa County, provides city residents with an advanced level of care quicker than they have now.
RELATED: Niceville fire chief talks about the future of the department.
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