Town and Country Police Chief Reflects on Nearly 30 Years of Service

As previously reported by Patch, after nearly 30 years with the City of Town and Country, .

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Copeland tells Patch he is excited about his retirement and that as he reflects on his career, it is time to move on to the next phase in his life.

"You get to look at your career, your accomplishments, what limitations you have if you continue, your personal life," Copeland explained. "I guess at this point in my life, I'm slowing down a bit. There could be some benefit to somebody stepping in and taking over and putting that 'umph' back in the job."

However, as Copeland reflects, he too has brought that "umph," that he refers to, to a job he says he's always loved.

"I've always enjoyed coming to work," Copeland stated.

He joined the Town and Country Police Department in 1983 as a patrol officer, was promoted to sergeant, then captain and then appointed as the city's police chief in 1997. He began his dual role as the city administrator in 2004.

Copeland has an extensive list of accomplishments that span his career. Among them, he helped establish the Regional Computer Crimes Education and Enforcement Group (RCCEEG). Copeland was one if the RCCEEG founding members. The regional center, which focuses on computer forensics and education, was then developed into a national model.

"I'm very proud of that," Copeland said.

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He's also proud of the Town and Country Police Charitable Fund, which he also started. The foundation has raised approximately $120,000 since its inception, he explained.

Copeland has been indivually recognized twice by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), along with numerous recognitions from MADD for his entire police department, which he says is one of the top DWI departments in the state.

When it comes to the investigations side of his job, ironically, a case that stands out in Copeland's mind is from the very early years of his career. He was working a double murder as a Rock Hill police detective in the early 1980s when he says the brother of one of the victims came up to him and was very emotional about the crimes.

"I made a promise to him. I said, 'I will find out who did this,'" Copeland tells Patch. "I did find out, and it was him. That stands out. It was drug related."

Although such crimes are not common in Town and Country, Copeland said it's the same basic concept when it comes to police work.

"On the police side, to me, it's all about service and protection," Copeland stated. "I feel very confident and comfortable that we have reduced the (city's) crime rate significantly."

He also takes pride in the fact that he feels his officers and department continue to improve year after year.

One the administration side, Copeland says his greatest accomplishment as city administrator is helping put the city in a good financial situation.

"Conservative with expenditures, but at the same time promoting the best service possible," he said.

He's quick to point out that he could not have done much of what he's accomplished without the board of aldermen and mayor. He says the city leaders work well together and are sincere about doing what's best for the community.

"Without them, you may establish some direction, but you can't make any progress unless they're there to support you," Copeland explained. He also said his dual role as police chief and city administrator helped bring those two departments together as one unit. "Lot of mutual respect between employees here. They help each other out whenever there's a need."

As Copeland moves on pursue personal goals, he tells Patch, he hopes the teamwork concept within the city will carry on.

"All things considered, it's my time to move on. Hopefully I've left the city in excellent shape."

Copeland has a lot of family time planned in the near future. He's building a home, plus has plans for two remodeling projects with his sons. He also has plans to travel and explore across the country.

The city will hold a retirement party for Copeland on May 1, which happens to be his birthday. 

It will take the form of an open house from 2-4 p.m. at the Town and Country Municipal Center with presentations at 3 p.m. Afterwards, guests are invited to help send Copeland off with an after party at The Gathering Place, starting at 5 p.m.  

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Town and Country Police Chief John Copeland Retiring