Police Chief And City Administrator Retires, Replacements Expected Soon

As previously reported by Patch,  

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Chief John R. Copeland, 63, joined the Town and Country Police department in 1983 as a patrol officer, was appointed to police chief in 1997 and began his dual role as chief and city administrator in 2004 when the previous city administrator left Town and Country for Ellisville.

Copeland said he initially volunteered to serve as the interim city administrator at the time of the vacancy.

"The relationship continued. They (city leaders) never...felt the need to go back and revisit the issue. Hopefully because I did a good job," Copeland tells Patch. "There's a number of police chiefs who have that dual role throughout the state of Missouri."

Copeland said there are also number of reasons cities choose to combine roles, but the main reason is the financial aspect, especially in smaller communities. 

However, now that Copeland is leaving, it appears the city will return to having two individuals serve in the positions of police chief and city administrator.

Mayor Jon Dalton tells Patch it is "highly likely" two different people will hold the positions.

City leaders have two meetings scheduled next week to discuss the personnel matter of hiring a city administrator, Dalton said.

"I'm sure the police chief appointment will follow shortly after," Copeland explained.

Since this is a personnel matter, names of possible candidates for either position are not being released.

Copeland says the city is considering outside candidates, but also says there are very qualified candidates currently working as city employees.

Ultimately, the decision will be made by the mayor and the board of aldermen. 

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

An open house will take place 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. 

*Check back to Town and Country - Manchester Patch Monday for more on Copeland and his extensive law enforcement career.

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