Benjamin Andela
Easley,SC
Summary
Starting with the volunteer department in highschool, I’ve been a part of the Fire/EMS community since 2013. I spent 10 years in the Marine Corps as a firefighter, continuing to volunteer on my off time with the local departments. From 2018-2022 I was assigned to the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force in Indian Head, MD. During that time I spent 2 years assigned as an instructor at the Downey Responder Training Facility. I left the Marine Corps in April of 2025, and took a role as a firefighter for Pickens County, South Carolina, sharing my experience with my shift to better prepare us for a variety of incidents, specifically the HAZMAT and Technical Rescue responses and training.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter/EMT
Pickens County Fire & Rescue
Pickens, SC
04.2025 - Current
- Selected as a member of the Pickens County Special Operations team, responding to technical rescue, HAZMAT, Water rescue, and dive operations.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, brush units, and service vehicles to aid in fire suppression and rescue operations.
- Facilitated stress management workshops for fire department personnel, enhancing overall team resilience and mental health.
Recruiter
United States Marine Corps
Easley, SC
06.2022 - 04.2025
- Marine Corps Canvassing Recruiter, responsible for actively seeking out potential candidates to join the Marine Corps, thoroughly screening them to ensure they meet eligibility requirements, guiding them through the enlistment process, scheduling physical examinations, completing necessary paperwork, and maintaining accurate records.
- This was accomplished all while representing the Marine Corps image within the community by providing information about opportunities and participating in civic events.
Unarmed Security Guard
5:9 Protection Services
Greenville, SC
03.2023 - 03.2025
- Ensuring safety of staff and guests in the building
- Keeping all exits clear and limit capacity of the building in accordance with city ordinances and fire codes
- Coordinating with law enforcement agencies to ensure all customers are legally authorized to be in the building
Firefighter
United States Marine Corps
04.2015 - 05.2022
- Expeditionary Fire and Rescue Specialist/EMT in the Asia/Pacific region 2016-2018. This included responses to various emergencies in Japan, Guam, and South Korea
- Mass Casualty Response with the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, providing all hazards emergency support to local, state, and federal entities to include USSS, DHS, US Capitol Police, FDNY, and Chicago Fire. I also had a tenure as an instructor at this unit for 2 years, instructing over 300 servicemembers and federal civilian staff on emergency response and management.
- I also taught civilian tactical emergency medical response with Downrange Solutions LLC
Education
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training - Great Oaks Career Campuses
College of Southern Maryland
Marine Corps Recruiter's School
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Fire Protection Apprentice -
Community College of the Air Force
01.2022
Skills
- Public Speaking
- Communication Skills
- Aviation Emergency Management
- Mass Casualty Response
- Technical Rescue and EMS Instruction
Training
Marine Corps Recruiter's School, Marine Corps Communications and Consultative Selling Skills, Marine Corps Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, Human Resource Management Training
Accomplishments
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (x3), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (x3), Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal
Timeline
Firefighter/EMT
Pickens County Fire & Rescue
04.2025 - Current
Unarmed Security Guard
5:9 Protection Services
03.2023 - 03.2025
Recruiter
United States Marine Corps
06.2022 - 04.2025
Firefighter
United States Marine Corps
04.2015 - 05.2022
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training - Great Oaks Career Campuses
College of Southern Maryland
Marine Corps Recruiter's School
Fire Protection Apprentice -
Community College of the Air Force
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians