Lt. Andrew Copeland has been promoted to Keizer Police Chief, to succeed John Teague, the city of Keizer announced Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Copeland has worked with the Keizer Police Department for 21 years. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Oregon University in Communications and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virg.
Lt. Copeland was hired as an officer for the Keizer Police Department in 2002. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2009 and to Lieutenant in 2013.
In his 14 years on the command staff he has been involved with every part of the department and has been mentored by multiple police chiefs. He has been recognized as Officer of the Year in 2004, received a Medal of Valor in 2012, and been recognized as the Red Cross Hero of the Year in 2012.
City Manager Adam Brown said “Lt. Copeland is truly a Keizer grown leader having been raised, schooled, and served professionally in Keizer. The Executive Leadership Team believes his passion for this community and his personal drive for excellence will serve the citizens and employees of Keizer well into the future. We expect great things from Chief Copeland.”
Lt. Copeland will transition to the Chief of Police role with a slight overlap with Chief Teague. His promotion will be effective on September 25.