Softball's Alex Fulmer is in Hot Pursuit of Law Enforcement Career

March 21, 2018

Alex Fulmer is competing for playing time to patrol the outfield for South Carolina’s softball team, and the freshman is also spending time on patrol with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department in pursuit of a future career in law enforcement.

“This has enhanced my interest in being a police officer,” Fulmer said. “My long-term goal is to be a member of a S.W.A.T. team, a U.S. Marshal, or a K-9 officer. I don’t have any law enforcement in my family, but I’ve met people who work in that field. I’ve always been intrigued by their stories and what they do.”

When her schedule allows, Fulmer participates in ride-alongs on Friday nights with deputies who are part of the Live P.D. television show, which follows real police officers around the country during evening patrols.

“I’ve done it around 10 times,” Fulmer said. “It’s been hard to do it lately, being in-season, but any chance I get, I’ll shoot a text message to one of the officers and see if I can ride. We’ll set it up with my schedule and just ride all night.”

Fulmer is studying criminal justice, and the native of Newberry, S.C., has had an interest in police work for a long time. Fulmer often rides with Senior Deputy Kelly Smith.

“It’s really been an eye-opener,” Fulmer said. “Every night is always a great experience, whether it’s getting in a chase or going on any call to somebody’s house. There’s never a dull moment, especially with Deputy Smith. She’s always really fun to be with. Any time I ride with them, they tell me lots of stories and take me to places where a major crime happened and tell me about it.

“They give me advice all of the time about what to do and what not to do.”

I’ve never been scared. Every time I hear a call come in, my adrenaline starts pumping.

Alex Fulmer

Police work can obviously be dangerous, but Fulmer said she feels safe and understands her role.

“I’ve never been scared,” Fulmer said. “Every time I hear a call come in, my adrenaline starts pumping, and I can’t wait to see what’s about to happen. I always stay in the car, but most of the time I’m right up close so I can see what’s happening. I can usually hear what’s going on through the radio or see it if it’s outside. I don’t wear a (bullet proof) vest, but I do wear a uniform. I don’t get out of the car.”

“I don’t really get scared, and I know the deputies that I’m with will keep me safe, no matter what. I know they won’t put me in harm’s way.”

Fulmer has the support of head coach Beverly Smith as well as her family in pursuing her professional dreams.

“My dad (Michael) doesn’t worry so much, but my mom (Kelley) does,” Fulmer said. “She’s a typical mom who wants to know where her baby girl is and that she’s safe.”

Fulmer gets a chance to see some of the latest technology law enforcement now uses, but surprisingly, she has not asked if she could hit the sirens.

“I actually haven’t done that yet,” Fulmer laughed. “I’m not even sure which switch to hit. They show me how to use some of the gadgets in their car and the computers, though.

“They give me a little card with all of the call (numbers) on them so I know what’s going on.”

Fulmer has received a little “air time” with the cameras from the television show occasionally flashing her face across the screen.

“The last time I rode, they were chasing a suspect down, and he was put in our car to be transported back to where the original crime happened,” Fulmer said. “The camera caught a glimpse of my head. Coach sent me a picture from the TV when they caught me on there.”

Fulmer looks forward to more ride-alongs as time allows, and she is looking forward to having her mentors in uniform on hand at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field as the Gamecocks have partnered with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to host “Live PD Night” on Friday, March 23 as the Gamecocks host Tennessee with first pitch set for 6 p.m.

Deputies from the show will be in attendance to sign autographs and meet with Gamecock fans. Deputy Kevin Lawrence will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

To show support for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and all first responders, all first responders, and their families, that attend the game will receive free admission at the gate.