A Tribute to Paul Benyeda

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Paul J. Benyeda on July 25th. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Paul was the beloved son of Maria Camella Salerno and Paul Benyeda. He is survived by his devoted wife, Madeline (Lynne) Benyeda, his children, aunts, and cousins.

Paul dedicated his life to public service, education, and community preparedness. He began his career in emergency management as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Manchester Fire–Rescue–EMS Department in Connecticut, where he developed and implemented disaster preparedness and response plans for the town. He was instrumental in introducing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to the community, chaired Emergency Support Function #16 (Volunteer Management), and led the Capitol Region Citizen Corps Council, while also serving as Vice Chairman of the Capital Region Emergency Planning Committee.

From there, Paul became the State Training Officer for the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, coordinating all federally funded training programs for the state and designing large-scale exercises to prepare agencies and municipalities for emergencies.

In 2006, Paul joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a Disaster Assistance Employee for the Disaster Field Training Operations branch. Over the years, he advanced to serve as a member of the Preparedness Branch at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI). At FEMA, Paul earned recognition as a consummate professional, completing EMI’s Master Trainer Program and Master Exercise Practitioner Program. In 2008, he was awarded the prestigious Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).

Paul’s commitment to education was equally distinguished. He earned his Master of Science in Emergency Management (MSEM) from Millersville University, later serving as an adjunct professor at Millersville University teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. He not only taught courses in disaster response and recovery but also played a central role in designing curricula that strengthened the academic foundation of the program. He served on the external advisory board for Millersville’s Center for Disaster Research and Education (CDRE) and emergency management programs, where his insights helped shape the direction of the program.

His service extended beyond professional roles. Paul volunteered with the Adams County (PA) Emergency Operations Center and was an active member of the county’s Local Emergency Planning Committee. He held a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Professional Certification for County Emergency Management Staff, continuing his lifelong dedication to advancing preparedness at every level.

Before his career in emergency management, Paul served proudly in the United States Navy, where he qualified in Submarines and as an Engineering Watch Supervisor aboard the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine.

Paul was more than a professional; he was a mentor, educator, and friend. Over the years, he mentored a number of students through professional journeys and research projects. He saw the potential in people before they could see it in themselves, offering encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support. His kindness, generosity, and commitment to community were hallmarks of his life. He believed deeply in the mission of emergency management—not just to prepare agencies and professionals, but to empower ordinary citizens to help themselves and their neighbors in times of crisis.

Paul J. Benyeda’s contributions to the field of emergency management will be long remembered, and his absence deeply felt. He leaves behind a legacy of service, education, and compassion that continues to inspire those who had the privilege to know him.

Paul will be greatly missed.

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