Clemson University officially welcomed its new fire chief Tuesday, May 25 in a special swear-in ceremony at Fire Station No. 2 on Issaqueena Trail. Rick Cramer, who has been on the job for about a month and a half, took the following oath to uphold the department’s mission under the direction of Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Greg Mullen:
I, Richard Cramer, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States and the State of South Carolina. I will obey the laws and ordinances of the State, Clemson University and the City of Clemson; and the rules and regulations of the Clemson University Fire Department. I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith and trust. Therefore, I will strive to serve my community and staff with honor, compassion and respect. I will hold myself and others accountable for our actions and never betray my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will faithfully discharge my duties as the Chief of the Department to the best of my ability and in a manner that reflects positively on the agency and its mission.
“When I think of my career, I’ve been blessed in many ways,” Cramer said. “I was honored to serve in Bluffton for 24 years. I see the same awesome spirit and desire to serve here at Clemson. I can’t wait to continue to move forward with the Fire Department and am eager to meet new people and build relationships. I look forward to working alongside our staff and making Clemson University Fire Department one of the very best in the country. My commitment to Chief Mullen, our partners in police and emergency management, and our staff is that we’re going to do great things — as a family. One team, one mission.”
Mullen said Tuesday’s swear-in was important for many reasons, but primarily to publicly acknowledge the organization has a new leader, and for the fire department staff to show its appreciation to Chief Cramer and commitment to his family.
“We need a support system to help us, and so it’s important to have family, friends and coworkers here when we have this type of ceremony,” Mullen said. “Only with everyone’s support in this room and beyond will Chief be successful and achieve the things you all want together.”