7QUESTIONS+PLUS

Ray Merlin, a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy and the director for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The youngest of six children and a Cudahy native, Merlin has been a Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputy for 16 years.

Ray Merlin will now take your questions ...

From who or what do you draw your inspiration? My family and watching my children grow up and seeing them work hard. Finishing my degree at a religious college makes me realize that religion is important in my life. The Special Olympic athletes and knowing that even though they have obstacles in life they still remain positive and move forward. All these things inspire me to do better in my life.

How did you get involved in Special Olympics? In high school I used to participate in “Lift America”, which is a weight lifting fundraiser. Then when I was in the Marines I volunteered at different games/events. Finally when I was hired by the Sheriff’s Department I got back involved through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

What’s your favorite Special Olympics event to watch? Power Lifting

What drew you to a career in law enforcement? It is just one of those jobs that I always thought would be interesting and it was a way to be a part of the community. I enjoy dealing with people.

What’s the toughest thing you’ve had to deal with as a sheriff’s deputy? Losing one of your own.

If there’s one thing you could change about your job, what would it be? I would like to see new officer’s coming into the force to know that this is not a job but a career. I’d also like to see them mentally prepare themselves and their family for this career.

What are three words your mother would use to describe you? Dependable, Responsible, Loyal

If you were the Kenosha County Sheriff, what would be your first act of business? First things first, I would thank the community for giving me the opportunity to be your Sheriff. I would encourage officers to be more community orientated and to get out into the community and just meet the citizens.

If you weren’t involved in law enforcement, what else would you be doing? I was working in the construction field before getting hired by the Sheriff’s Dept. and would probably have stayed in the construction business.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re off-duty? Just relaxing. I try to spend time with my kids and wife and catch up on what is going on with them.