A SHERIFF RETIRES

After serving eight years as sheriff of Cape Girardeau County, Norman Copeland retired last weekend to the well-deserved praise of area leaders, law enforcement officials and the general community. A man of proven character and integrity, he leaves a sheriff's department considerably stronger than the one he inherited March 27, 1986.

Copeland was originally drafted into the sheriff's position by the Cape Girardeau County Commission, which was seeking a law enforcement leader with the reputation and ability to bring respect, integrity and discipline to a department in turmoil.

A former member of the European Command Highway Patrol, which was a U.S. military organization with oversight of the post-war German autobahn, and a 28 1/2 year veteran of the Missouri Highway Patrol, Copeland brought undisputed credentials to the position. Not the type of person to rest on his laurels, he worked hard to instill a professionalism in the office, making him one of the most respected sheriffs in area history.

Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep, a close friend of Copeland for over 30 years, called him simply "the best sheriff this county has ever had." Such high praise was common at a dinner last week paying tribute to Copeland.

Other comments at the tribute, which drew an impressive crowd of 250, came from Judge Stanley Grimm, who said of the retiring sheriff: "If there was ever a Norman Rockwell-type patrolman, it was him. He was a model law enforcement officer." Judge Kenneth Shrum echoed the sentiment, calling Copeland "the epitome of what I believe a law enforcement officer should be." Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle described him as "a man of the highest integrity and the strongest character of anybody I have ever met."

Without question, one of the most significant of Copeland's accomplishments as sheriff was taking charge of a politically troubled department and restoring public confidence. But he had other accomplishments too, including the establishment of a county undercover drug program and a more intensive training program for deputies. In addition, he was instrumental in the organization and operation of the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force.

While we at times have been frustrated by the delay in some communications from his office and would like to remind his successor that openness is integral to public trust, Norman Copeland's contributions to the quality of life in Cape Girardeau County have been considerable. Few people nowadays serve nearly 40 years in law enforcement. Even fewer serve with such distinction. Norman Copeland is one of those few. Best wishes to him and his family.