Kenneth M. Copeland #432

Officer Kenneth M. Copeland, 58, joined the San Marcos Police Department on March 30, 1998 and was the first officer to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

Officer Copeland was killed while serving an arrest warrant on December 4th, 2017. Officer Copeland was working overtime on his day off to cover due to an ongoing staffing shortage.

"Ken is a true hero. Our hearts are broken from the loss of not only a dedicated officer but also a phenomenal person and father."

-Chief of Police Chase Stapp

Copeland, K.2015

Officer Copeland was born in Houma, Louisiana to Nile and Theo Copeland along with two brothers and one sister. Officer Copeland is survived by his wife and their four children.

Officer Copeland served as a Corrections Officer with the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville, Texas from 1982 to 1998, Corrections Officer with Santa Clara County, San Jose, California from 1988 to 1990, and with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office from 1990-1995 as a Deputy Sheriff.

At the time of his death, Copeland was still serving on active duty with the United States Coast Guard out of Corpus Christi, Texas.

Officer Copeland is remembered by all as a highly respected and selfless individual who would do anything for anyone. Further, Ken is remembered for his love of Topo Chico® Mineral Water and the stocked cooler he kept in his patrol car to hand one out to anyone he came across.

Officer Copeland will forever be in our hearts and will always remain a true hero to his community in which he served. His ultimate sacrifice and dedication to service will never be forgotten.