ROY, Utah — The Roy Fire Department is working to restore public trust after one of its former firefighters, Ryan Rampton, was charged with multiple counts of child sexual abuse, prompting what Fire Chief Theron Williams called an “isolated but deeply troubling incident.”
Rampton, 58, of Syracuse, is facing two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and one count of sodomy on a child, all first-degree felonies, according to 2nd District Court records in Farmington. He resigned from the Roy Fire Department effective Oct. 24, shortly before the department confirmed his arrest publicly.
Chief Williams issued a statement Wednesday emphasizing that the department had no prior knowledge of the allegations until outside investigators notified city officials. Once informed, the city immediately placed Rampton on administrative leave pending the investigation.
“We ask the public and media to recognize that this isolated incident does not define our department or its mission,” Williams said. “The conduct and allegations in question are deeply troubling and wholly inconsistent with our standards.”
Details of the Case
Court documents allege that Rampton sexually abused a young child between 2013 and 2017 in Syracuse. Prosecutors say the victim initially came forward in 2017 but was uncomfortable speaking with the male detective then assigned to the case, leading to delays in the investigation.
The case was reopened in March 2025 after the victim once again reached out to authorities, expressing fear that Rampton could harm others. Investigators noted concerns after learning that Rampton operated a photo studio at his home, where young girls would participate in themed photoshoots wearing “princess costumes.”
Rampton was arrested earlier this month and is currently being held without bail in the Davis County Jail.
Chief’s Response and Department Impact
Chief Williams said the department’s leadership and staff are devastated by the allegations, calling them a betrayal of the values firefighters are sworn to uphold.
“Firefighters are held to a strict moral code and are expected to act with honesty, fairness, and transparency both on and off duty,” Williams said. “Those who fall short of these values do not deserve to stand among the great ones who have earned the public’s trust through their actions and integrity.”
Williams added that while the investigation remains ongoing, the city and department are cooperating fully with law enforcement and reviewing their background check and hiring procedures to ensure future safeguards.
“This situation has profoundly affected not only our department but also the trust and confidence of our city and community,” he said.
Rampton’s Career Background
According to Utah’s public employee database, Rampton joined the Roy Fire Department in 2023, where he also worked as a paramedic. Prior to that, he served as a firefighter for several agencies, including the North Davis Fire District, Riverdale Fire Department, and as an EMT in Morgan County.
Officials said there are no known complaints or disciplinary actions during his time at Roy Fire, and his employment record showed no indication of prior misconduct.
As the case proceeds, Chief Williams reaffirmed that the department remains dedicated to transparency, community safety, and accountability.
