Police Officer Surprises the Flight Paramedic Who Saved His Life

Sgt. Kris Kruse, a Clermont police officer, experienced a life-changing moment when a bonfire explosion left him severely burned in 2016. He was airlifted by the Orlando Health Air Care team, including paramedic Steve McKinney, who worked tirelessly to save him. Years later, they discovered that the helicopter that saved Kruse's life was the same one he toured as a child. This month, they reunited for a special ride, marking both McKinnney's retirement and the 40th anniversary of the Air Care team. Kruse expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Orlando Health’s Air Care is one of the biggest reasons that I'm here today.”