Town and Country Police Chief John Copeland Retiring

UPDATED: 11:15 a.m., Tues. April 16-

Town and Country's long-serving police chief and city administrator will be retiring at the end of the month, ending a career with the city that spanned 30 years. 

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Police Capt. Gary Hoelzer told Patch Monday night that Chief John R. Copeland had informed the board of aldermen Friday of his intention to retire on April 30. In recent years, Copeland has served jointly as the head of the police department and as city administrator. 

In an email, Hoelzer stated that Copeland has served the city of Town and Country since 1983 and has been the police chief since 1997. Copeland has also served as the city administrator since 2004.

Hoezler himself has worked alongside Copeland for the last 28 years and said although he is retiring, his mark on the city will remain.

"He has made a significant contribution to the city and police department," he said. "His vision, his commitment to the residence and to the department has left a lasting imprint."

There is no immediate announcement on who would take Copeland's place when he steps aside, Hoelzer said. He explained that it will be a decision made by the mayor and the board of aldermen. 

Hoelzer said Copeland's decision to retire isn't based on anything specific, instead "he just feels it is time."

The city will hold a retirement party for Copeland on May 1, which Hoezler pointed out in an email to the city's police commission happens to be his birthday as well. 

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.