Onset Fire Chief Ray Goodwin was officially sworn in at headquarters on Central Avenue Thursday afternoon in a ceremony that saw the career firefighter achieve a goal he’d set for himself as a youngster.

Goodwin was appointed as chief on March 13 by the Prudential Committee, marking the first time the position has been appointed as opposed to elected in Onset.

An Onset firefighter for 28 years, or since he was “not quite 16,” Goodwin said that serving on the department is a family tradition, as his uncle and two cousins are also firefighters there as well.

“I have a lot of work to do,” he said. “I have to live up to the expectations. There are some big shoes to fill, and lots to do.”

The shoes Goodwin spoke of belong to 16-year chief Howard Andersen, who passed away in October after a battle with cancer. Since Anderson's passing, Goodwin has served as interim Chief.

Andersen was honored at the ceremony for his service to the district, and the large crowd present took a moment of silence to honor the two Boston firefighters who died in the nine-alarm blaze on Beacon Street a few weeks ago.

On hand were representatives of the Board of Selectmen, the Police Department, and the Wareham Fire Department.

Also on hand was state Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan, who spoke highly of the work of Andersen, while commending Goodwin for the most recent achievement.

“It’s the next chapter in the Onset Fire Department,” he said. “I’m proud to have him as my representative here in the district of Onset.”

Goodwin thanked friends, family, and the people of Onset for their support over the years, and said he’d do his best to protect and serve the district.

“I’ve been striving to do this a long time -- it’s a relief,” he said.