Raymond A. Merlin served four years in the United States Marine Corps and more than 28 years with the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department, where he worked third-shift patrol and served as a member of the Tactical Response Team. He retired in 2019 as the Sergeant in charge of the Training Division.

Throughout his law enforcement career, Ray has been a certified instructor in Defensive Tactics, Principles of Subject Control (POSC), Firearms, Professional Communications, Crowd Management, and Ground Defense. He has also served on several advisory committees for the Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and Standards Bureau.

From July 2022 through July 2023, Ray served as the Interim Security Director for Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He continues to serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Gateway Technical College, teaching in the Law Enforcement Academy, providing in-service training, and coordinating specialty training programs. In addition, he is an instructor for Team One Network and First H.E.L.P.

Ray earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Human Resource Management from Concordia University.

He currently serves as a member of the Tactical Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and Standards Bureau. He is also an Emeritus State Director for the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, an Emeritus Board Member of the Midwest Tactical Officers Association (Corrections), and an Emeritus member of the Principles of Subject Control (POSC) Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and Standards Bureau. In addition, Ray serves on the Board of Directors for Every Child's Place in Kenosha, Wisconsin.