On Monday morning, Firefighter/Paramedic Daylan Enkers began his new career with the Merrill Fire Department. Daylan becomes the department’s 186th member dating back to 1888.
Enkers started in the fire service in 2013 when he joined the Schofield Fire Department. He went on to serve with the Rothschild Fire Department, Mosinee Fire District, and South Area Fire & Emergency Response District in Marathon County. Daylan’s full-time job was previously with Aspirus MedEvac as a critical care transport paramedic.
In addition to his work experience, Firefighter/Paramedic Enkers holds multiple certifications and licenses in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), rescue operations, and firefighting. Daylan plans to finish his Associate Degree in the near future.
With the hiring of Enkers, the Merrill Fire Department is back to post-2008 staffing levels which include seven firefighter/paramedics per shift. The three shifts on provide 24/7 emergency response to the greater Merrill area.
“We are excited to have Daylan join the Merrill Fire Department family. He has all the attributes you look for in a new candidate,” says Merrill Fire Chief Josh Klug.
During Enkers’ first week, he will receive a basic introduction to fire department operations. After that time, Daylan will be put on a shift where he will work approximately one month with MFD personnel as an extra crew member before getting the approval to function on his own. The probationary period of a new Merrill firefighter is one year. During that year, probationary firefighters receive additional training above and beyond what regular full-time firefighter/paramedics do on a daily basis.
Daylan is a D.C. Everest High School graduate and owns a house in the area. During his time off duty, Daylan plays the concertina in multiple polka bands which has taken him across the country. He enjoys the outdoors, especially snowmobiling.
When asked why he chose the Merrill Fire Department, he said, “Every time I had an interaction with someone from Merrill Fire, they were always positive. It seemed like somewhere I wanted to work, plus it is close to my home.”
The Merrill Fire Department will conduct a badge pinning ceremony for Firefighter/Paramedic Enkers and new fire chief, Josh Klug, on Thursday, June 14, at the Merrill Fire Station. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, the public is invited to meet and greet the department’s newest member.