Kris Kalender
Candidate for President
Police Medics

I began my path of public service in 2006 when I volunteered at my local fire department and discovered my passion for EMS. After hours of training and earning multiple certifications, I pursued a career as a paramedic — and in 2008, I joined Nassau County, where I’ve proudly served ever since. Working on the ambulance as a Police Medic taught me the value of advocacy — not just for patients, but for those who often don’t have a voice. It also taught me the importance of being honest, clear, and direct — qualities I’ve carried with me into every leadership role since.

In 2016, I was asked to fill a vacancy as Treasurer of the Police Medic Unit. That opportunity quickly opened my eyes to the broader responsibilities of union leadership. I ran for Unit President the following year and won decisively. From the start, my team and I built clear objectives, developed strategic relationships, and delivered real results. We defended our contract, protected job security from the threat of private EMS, and pushed back against unequal treatment within a department of over 2,000 sworn officers.

My activism brought me to the Local 830 office on full release, where I quickly saw that union work extended far beyond the unit level. I joined the grievance committee, where my advocacy grew to a new level — and shortly after, I was appointed Grievance Chair. Representing the busiest local in the state came with tremendous responsibility, and it became clear that communication — clear, respectful, and direct — was the foundation of any successful union leadership.

In that spirit, I’ve continued to take on broader roles:

  • Grievance Chair, Local 830

  • Co-Chair, Local 830 Political Action Committee

  • Chair, Local 830 Social Committee

  • Local 830 Representative to the Region 1 Political Action Committee

  • Vice President, CSEA Region 1

  • Board of Directors Member representing Nassau County

Through these roles, I’ve built relationships across the state and learned new approaches to advocacy, leadership, and member engagement — all of which I bring home to Local 830.

Since 2017, I’ve been on full-time union release. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the unacceptable from leadership past, and I’ve never lost sight of what our union should be. As I approach my 18th year of service, I’m focused on the future — and committed to ensuring this union has the strength, structure, and stability it needs for the long haul.

I believe transparency, honesty, and clarity build an educated membership. An educated membership becomes an inspired membership. And an inspired membership becomes a strong membership.

Every member deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and patience — and that’s what my team is here to deliver. We’re not here for titles. We’re here to do the work — for you.

That’s why I’m asking for your support as the next President of CSEA Local 830.