CUPD swears in newest officers Thursday

CLEMSON — Seven officers were sworn in to the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) by Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Greg Mullen during a monthly meeting Thursday.

“With the addition of this group, we have added 15 members to our department since June 2018,” Mullen said. “We are doing a lot of really positive things and it’s been a huge undertaking as we move closer to our goal of being fully staffed.”

The newest additions to CUPD are as follows:

Josh Entsminger
-Active member of the South Carolina National Guard
-Member of the United States Marine Corps as a helicopter mechanic and crew chief from 2010-15

Bennett Hendricks
-Served as a patrol officer for the Clemson City Police from 2016-17
-Graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 2016

Brent McKinney
-Worked for Anderson County Sheriff’s Office (2013-17) and Pickens County Sheriff’s Office (2017-19)
-Graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 2013

Heather Mullen
-Member of United States Air Force from 2009-14
-Served as security officer previously for American Services, Inc.

Taylor Shea
-Earned degree in justice administration and criminology from the University of Pittsburgh
-Completed internship with Stoneycreek Police Department in 2018

Skyler Singletary
-Earned degree in business administration while serving as a resident advisor at the University of Houston
-Mother, Theresa, currently serves as CUPD’s administrative services and outreach coordinator

Lynn Spies
-Worked from 2018-19 as a correctional officer for the Oconee Detention Center
-Worked from 2017-18 as a correctional officer for the Georgia Department of Corrections

In a short ceremony in front of CUPD’s team, the newest group of officers swore an oath to support and defend the constitutions of the United States of America and State of South Carolina. They also swore the law enforcement oath honor that reads as follows:

“On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution, my community and the agency I serve.”

Mullen acknowledged the heavy load that awaits any new officer, but is excited the group has chosen CUPD as its home.

“You’re not only representing yourself, but you’re also representing everyone on our team as well as law enforcement around the entire country,” he said. “I know this group is ready to do that, and we are excited to welcome them and are excited they’ve chosen this profession.”