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LANDRUM—New council members and police officers were sworn in by the Landrum City Council on Tuesday, January 9.

During the work session prior to the meeting, City Clerk Rita Bruce led the swearing-in ceremony of new council members Warren Ashmore and Robert Farmer. Ashmore and Farmer then sat in their first work session and city council meetings in their new positions. 

Councilman Shannon Dotson won reelection and was supposed to be sworn in alongside Ashmore and Farmer, but Mr. Dotson was absent from the meeting. 

Warren Ashmore, who was born in Tryon but has lived in Landrum all his life, has served as the Chief of Landrum Fire and Rescue since 2014 and has 21 years of experience in fire prevention. 

“I’ve always had a draw to the community, helping the community,” said Ashmore on his recent election. “I want to see our town thrive; a good place to live, a safe place to live.”

Robert Farmer was born and raised in Landrum and is active in his church, The Well Church of Landrum. “I just felt like it was time for me to serve my community in a different way,” Farmer said. “I hope to make the city better than it was, to make it grow. I want Landrum to grow and be a better place to live for everybody.”

“Welcome aboard,” Mayor Bob Briggs told the new council members. 

During the regular meeting after the work session, new Landrum police officers Goerge Medler, Colby R. Means and Jennifer Clontz were also sworn in by Clerk of Court Jamie Gaddy. 

The new officers have a combined total of 37 years of experience in law enforcement between them. Sean Coats was also scheduled to be sworn in but was not in attendance.   

Jennifer Clontz, originally of Greer, S.C. is headed to the Police Academy in Columbia, S.C., for further training after being sworn in. Clontz said that her goal in joining the police force is “to help make Landrum a safer place for its citizens.”

“We are lucky to have these folks, these folks are family,” Landrum Chief of Police Jason Coffin said. “They do a great job. We’re excited.”