Becoming a firefighter was never on the radar for Lieutenant Paramedic Kristen Ruest, but sometimes life’s defining moments come disguised as unexpected plot twists.
The sole sister in a family of four brothers, Kristen was born in Bronxville, NY. At age four, her family moved to Jupiter, Florida, where they have lived ever since. Kristen and her “super supportive” husband, Shannon, currently reside in Westlake, where they sometimes foster children through Childnet.
Kristen earned her Bachelor’s in Health Education and Athletic and Sports Science at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NY, where she graduated cum laude. She returned to Florida planning to pursue her Master’s degree, but when the Twin Towers fell on September 11th, she said it hit hard and felt like she had to do something to help.
Driven by a sense of duty, Kristen went back to New York and spent a year helping support first responders during the difficult aftermath.
Attempting to plan her next chapter, Kristen made her way back to Jupiter and taught middle school math and science for five years. ‘I enjoyed it, but deep down knew I it wasn’t really what I wanted to do,” said Kristen, unable to shake the sense her true calling was yet to be found, though she wasn’t sure where to look.
For a couple of years, Kristen worked in Environmental Education at the Loxahatchee River District. Later, she and her husband opened a functional fitness gym in Downtown West Palm Beach, which aligned perfectly with her passion for fitness and athletics. At that time, she also spent a year working in the ER at St. Mary’s Medical Center. While running the gym, Kristen had occasion to deal with situations such as a client fainting or having a seizure—experiences that unknowingly were laying the groundwork for a future she hadn’t yet imagined.
Enter a firefighter friend who frequented the gym and gave Kristen a life-changing suggestion. Citing her physical strength, fitness, and ability to handle emergencies, he encouraged her to consider a career in fire rescue.
“I told him I thought I was too old, but he disagreed and said I was in great shape and that I already knew how to manage emergencies,” said Kristen, who despite having reservations about starting a new career later in life, decided to take his advice, which led to the path she was truly meant to walk.
Kristen enrolled in Fire and EMT school and poured her heart into her studies with newfound purpose. Her drive for excellence was already evident in her academic achievements having earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and receiving the Outstanding Leadership Graduate Award. Kristen also earned an Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services from Palm Beach State College, where she achieved high academic distinction and received multiple awards. She has also obtained many certifications that include State Certified Fire Officer I & II, Fire Inspector, Aerial Operations, and Driver/Operator.
Hard work and determination paid off, and in 2016, Kristen was hired as a firefighter/paramedic by Palm Beach Fire Rescue, where loves the culture and camaraderie. Since 2021, she has made an impact and earned recognitions as a Lieutenant Paramedic.
“Lieutenant Kristen Ruest is one of the most compassionate and dedicated professionals I’ve ever encountered in the fire service. She prioritizes the community’s needs and safety while working countless hours to ensure that the Town of Palm Beach is one of the safest communities around. The Town is lucky to have her, and we are excited to have her as the lead for our essential outreach programs. Her work truly saves lives,” said her boss, Palm Beach Fire Chief Sean Baker.
In fire rescue, days are often dictated by the unexpected, and Kristen, who enjoys teaching, skillfully balances intuition with training, which is vital in coordinating and leading crews during emergency scenes, training sessions, and daily tasks.
“You never know what’s coming and you can’t plan your day because it can change with a single call. In an emergency, everything becomes a priority. We work as a team, and I trust my crew to work together,” Kristen said.
Kristen is a key player on the interview panel for new hires, and she serves as the EMS Scenario Proctor during the officer promotional process. As a former Field Training Officer, she collaborated with the Deputy Chief of Training and oversaw training for new hires, and she currently manages paramedic sign-offs with the Medical Director.
In April 2022, Kristen widened her influence in the role of Community Outreach Coordinator for Palm Beach Fire Rescue, where she conducts community risk analyses to identify key needs and develops targeted outreach programs. Kristen has also been instrumental in creating and maintaining outreach materials, coordinating social media efforts, and helping spearhead the town-wide AED Program, launched with the support of the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation’s Safeguard Palm Beach division.
“The Foundation has really helped the Fire Department by creating programs that boost morale and retention. We really feel supported. They also have provided funding for equipment and essential programs like the AED Program. This forward-thinking approach has been one of the most effective strategies for enhancing safety, and it’s been an excellent way to get a foot in the door and engage with the community. We teach residents and business owners life-saving skills such as CPR, and that ultimately enhances the safety of everyone,” Kristen said.
Kristen also helps organize a variety of community education programs that include the Palm Beach Citizen’s and Teen Academies, Public Safety Day, Condo Safety Program, and Emergency Preparedness initiatives—many carried out in partnership with Safeguard Palm Beach, and in collaboration with the Palm Beach Police Department.
Spanning her journey from the gym to Palm Beach Fire Rescue, Kristen’s dedication, versatility and passion are clear– qualities that were rightfully recognized with the 2022 Firefighter of the Year Award, presented at the 2023 Palm Beach Police & Fire Rescue Ball in celebration of her professional excellence and unyielding resolve to make a difference and serve the community each and every day.