Sen. Nangle honors late Deputy Chief John Kooistra with In Memoriam sentiment in Senate chamber

AUGUSTA — Yesterday, Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, welcomed the family of his longtime friend and colleague, John L. Kooistra, to the Maine Senate chamber to honor his life and legacy of public service. Kooistra served as Deputy Chief of EMS and Training for the Windham Fire Department and passed away on Jan. 5, 2026.

Deputy Chief Kooistra’s wife, Angela, and son, Ethan, were recognized on the Senate floor, where Sen. Nangle presented them with an official In Memoriam sentiment adopted by the Maine Legislature. The sentiment honors Deputy Chief Kooistra’s more than three decades of service in emergency medicine and fire service, including 29 years with the Portland Fire Department and his later leadership in the Windham Fire Department.

“John was not only a respected leader in emergency services, but also a dear friend,” said Sen. Nangle. “We served together at the Portland Fire Department, and I saw firsthand his calm leadership, deep compassion and unwavering commitment to the people he served. It meant a great deal to welcome Angela and Ethan to the Senate chamber so we could honor John’s legacy in a way that reflects the impact he had on so many lives.”

Throughout his career, Deputy Chief Kooistra trained and mentored hundreds of firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement officers and health care professionals in Maine and beyond. He was widely respected for his expertise in tactical medicine, infection control, K-9 care and community education and for raising the standard of emergency medical care wherever he served. Deputy Chief Kooistra passed away on Jan. 5, 2026, following a battle with cancer. He was 56.

The legislative sentiment presented to the Kooistra family is an official expression of sympathy and recognition from the Maine Senate and House of Representatives, honoring a life devoted to public service and community care.