Three new career firefighters have joined the ranks of Enumclaw/Fire District 28, giving the department the ability to have professional, paid staff on duty 24 hours a day.

A formal badge-pinning ceremony took place Friday afternoon for Carl Murrell, Ryan Roderberg and Matt Williams. It was a ceremonial occasion only, as the trio started work Dec. 1.

Each is familiar with the local operation, having been elevated from the ranks of volunteers with the department.

Also on Friday, career firefighter Randy Fehr was officially recognized for his promotion to captain. A 10-year veteran of the department, he has been responsible for much of the department’s investigation and inspection work.

The personnel moves have brought “a tremendous improvement in the level of service,” according to interim Fire Chief Doug Dawson.

Previously, the department had gaps where only volunteers were on duty. For a couple of hours each evening, there has been no one at district headquarters on Wells Street in Enumclaw.

Now, Dawson said, there will be career firefighters staffing the station during all three shifts.

Reach Kevin Hanson at khanson@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.