On Thursday, Dec. 11 the Merrill Fire Department will proudly welcome a new member to the department during a badge pinning ceremony and open house being held at 6 p.m. in the department training room of the fire station, 110 Pier St., Door #3, Merrill. The public is invited.
Firefighting has a rich history which is reflected in the firefighter badge. Badge pinning is a proud tradition within fire departments, signifying the introduction of department members to their new duties and welcoming to their new department. This will also be an opportunity to introduce FF/Paramedic Gomoll to the city officials, community and the other fire department members.
New Firefighter-Paramedic Scott Gomoll, 30, of Merrill, comes to the Merrill Fire Department with over 10 years of experience with the Cary Fire Protection District and the Wauconda Fire Protection District. For four years while in high school FF Gomoll participated in a fire cadet program at Cary FPD. Scott also worked as a Paramedic with Rescue Eight Paramedic Service. Scott is a certified Paramedic, Firefighter I and II, Driver/Operator, and a red card certified Wildland Firefighter. He has certifications in various specialized rescue disciplines including; Hazardous Material, Technical Rescue Awareness and Open Water Diver. FF Gomoll is one class away from completing his Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Emergency Medicine.
The Merrill Fire Department has 23 staff members, serving on three 48-hour shifts. Each shift has a captain and six firefighters. The fire department responds to approximately 2,000 all-hazards, fire & EMS incidents a year. Firefighters also provide fire safety instruction, CPR training, First aid training and station tours to the public and local schools.