Charles Cools
Mt. Pleasant
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished Firefighter/Driver-Operator with extensive experience at Joint Base Charleston. Expert in structural firefighting and HAZMAT response, demonstrating strong leadership and quick decision-making skills. Proven ability to maintain operational readiness and respond effectively to emergencies, ensuring safety and compliance in high-pressure situations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter/Driver-Operator/HAZMAT Technician
Joint Base Charleston
Charleston
08.2020 - 04.2025
- Performed basic and specialized structural firefighting operations(fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishingequipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures; basic and specialized building design, construction, andoccupancy. Responded to emergency first aid incidents in compliance with safety requirements as outlined inDepartment Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Operated and performed duties related to communicationsequipment in central dispatch receiving alarms via computerized monitoring equipment and dispatching crews torespond. Conducted HazMat Technician duties and incident analysis. Drove and operated firefighting/rescue vehicles,pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and HazMat response vehicles. Assisted in structural firefighting inspections as part of acrew for building familiarization for a variety of facilities, which included large multistoried buildings,research/development and related industrial areas, and storage facilities. Operated all ladders, hoses and specializedrescue equipment assigned to the vehicles/station. Performed preventive maintenance on equipment andhousekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities.
General Laborer
JJ Leon
Grover Beach
12.2019 - 07.2020
- Signaled equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement or adjustment of machinery.
- Loaded or unloaded building materials to distribute machinery or tools.
- Inspected tools and equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
- Operated equipment with strong focus on safety and ground communication.
- Loaded materials and tools into vehicles and unloaded upon arrival at jobsites.
- Controlled traffic passing near, in or around work zones.
- Lubricated, cleaned or repaired machinery or equipment.
- Mixed, poured, and spread concrete, asphalt gravel, and other materials.
Fire Academy Recruit
Alabama fire college
Tuscaloosa
09.2019 - 11.2019
- Graduate of Alabama Fire College with outstanding honors receiving IFSAC and Pro Board Certificates to meet all Department of Defense certifications. Fulfills a critical role maintaining the operational readiness of all firefighting equipment and vehicles in order to provide prompt response to emergency scenarios. Successfully completed training exercises to build competencies in the areas of Rescue, Driver, Operator, and EMS responsibilities.
Firefighter
WIKKMO
Milledgeville
08.2018 - 09.2019
- Participated in training drills and exercises to maintain proficiency in fire suppression tactics.
- Maintained firefighting equipment, including hoses and ladders, on a daily basis.
- Evaluated incident scenes for possible victims requiring medical attention or evacuation assistance.
Hospital Corpsman
Navy
Twentynine Palms
07.2013 - 08.2018
- Counseled patients about lifestyle modifications to improve their overall health outcomes.
- Ensured compliance with infection control protocols within the hospital setting.
- Instructed junior staff members on proper clinical practices and procedures.
- Assisted physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patient care.
- Assisted with laboratory testing procedures such as blood counts, urinalysis and phlebotomy.
- Provided emergency medical care to personnel in hospitals and marines in the field.
- Adhered to all safety regulations while providing quality care to patients.
- Responded immediately to emergency calls to confirm best possible treatment.
Education
High School Diploma -
Santiago High School
Corona, CA05-2012
Skills
- Structural Firefighting
- Aircraft Rescue Firefighting
- Firefighting Operations
- Basic Life Support
- EMS Duties
- HAZMAT Response
- Swift Water Rescue Operations
- Rope Rescue
- High Angle/Confined Space
- Underground Operations
DoD Certifications
- National Registry EMT
- Driver/Operator Aerial
- Driver/Operator ARFF
- Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply
- Driver/Operator Pumper
- Firefighter 1/2
- Airport Firefighter
- HAZMAT Awareness/Operations
- HAZMAT Technician
- Public Telecommunicator 1/2
- Swift Water Rescue
- NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800
References
William Shanholtzer
DoD Fire Chief (retired)
CEO WIKKMO LLC
912-323-0587
Cpt. Micheal Clever
Lead Firefighter/Crew Chief
412-606-9794
Timeline
Firefighter/Driver-Operator/HAZMAT Technician
Joint Base Charleston
08.2020 - 04.2025
General Laborer
JJ Leon
12.2019 - 07.2020
Fire Academy Recruit
Alabama fire college
09.2019 - 11.2019
Firefighter
WIKKMO
08.2018 - 09.2019
Hospital Corpsman
Navy
07.2013 - 08.2018
High School Diploma -
Santiago High School