On Wednesday, Feb. 25, 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. 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 Bryson Cruise to the city officials, community and the other fire department members.
Firefighter-Paramedic Bryson Cruise comes to the Merrill Fire Department with eight years of fire service experience and seven years of emergency medical services experience. He was previously employed as a paramedic for Ministry Health Care in Weston and CGH Medical Center in Sterling, Ill.
Bryson began his firefighting calling at age 14 as a Junior Firefighter for the Ohio, Ill. Volunteer Fire Department, eventually becoming a volunteer firefighter with that department. He is a certified Firefighter I and a credentialed Wisconsin Critical Care Paramedic. Bryson is currently completing his Fire Science Associates Degree and has recently been accepted to UW-Oshkosh where he’ll continue his education working towards his bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Response Management.
Bryson and his wife Alyssa, who is a lifelong Merrill resident, have two sons Carson and Connor. He looks forward to utilizing his firefighting and paramedic skills and knowledge to serve and protect the City of Merrill and the surrounding communities.
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.