[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 96 (Thursday, July 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              THE LAWMAN'S LAWMAN: SHERIFF NORMAN COPELAND

                                 ______


                           HON. BILL EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 1994

  Mr. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the much decorated 
sheriff of the largest county in the Eighth District of Missouri. 
Norman Copeland has dutifully served his neighbors in many capacities 
for nearly a half-century, but now the time has come in his opinion for 
the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff to move on to personal endeavors and 
enter the life of retirement. Norm Copeland's life and service 
illustrates how an individual's integrity and unwavering principles 
come together to make them a born leader.
  His dedication to public service began when he was only 20 years old. 
In 1948, Norman Copeland joined the U.S. Army. He served in Germany 
where he earned the Army Occupation Medal. His tour of duty continued 
in Korea where he earned the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze 
Service Stars, the Bronze Service Medal, the United Nations Service 
Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
  Following military service, Norm made the transition with his ``hands 
on'' experience with the Army Highway Patrol, military police, and 
artillery detachments to law enforcement. During a 29-year career with 
the Missouri Highway Patrol, he received a citation for bravery from 
the National Police Officers Association in May 1968. As a corporal in 
the patrol, he heroically rescued a woman from a burning airplane--
saving her life, while risking his own.
  In March 1986, another challenge awaited Norm Copeland. At that time, 
high employee turnover and internal problems plagued the Cape Girardeau 
County Sheriff's Department. County commissioners turned to the Army 
veteran and distinguished highway patrol officer, made him sheriff with 
the mandate to turn things around. He did. In Sheriff Copeland's 8 
years of leadership, the department has regained the respect of the 
community, county officials, and others around the State. In fact, I 
would put the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department 
professionalism and diligence up against any other law enforcement 
unit, rural or urban.
  Norm has helped to computerize the entire department, a must in this 
instant communications and high technology day and age. The 911 
emergency phone system is in place. The county jail also has been 
modernized and new administration procedures are in place; included in 
that is ongoing training for state-of-the-art law enforcement and 
investigation.
  While serving the citizens of Cape County for nearly a decade, 
Sheriff Copeland has made a name for himself around the State. He's a 
member of the Missouri Sheriff's Association, Missouri Police Chiefs 
Association, president of the southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, 
president of the Cape-Bollinger County Major Case Squad, director of 
the Cape County Narcotics Enforcement Unit. In addition to his 
professional development and leadership in these various law 
enforcement organizations, Sheriff Copeland also has contributed his 
services to a number of social and civic organizations. One of his very 
special causes is in service to the handicapped.
  As crime continues to be one of the top concerns of all Americans, we 
need more role models and effective leaders in law enforcement like 
Norm Copeland. Through his tireless efforts and selfless dedication, 
Cape Girardeau County and southeast Missouri has become a safer place 
to work and live.
  While all of us who had the opportunity to work with Norm through 
these years will truly miss him, we want to personally thank him for 
putting his duties to his fellow Americans and neighbors above himself. 
Sheriff Norman Copeland's commitment to his department and his 
colleagues is unsurpassed. I wish him all the best in health and 
happiness, and the full enjoyment of his family as he now passes his 
badge and enters retirement.

                          ____________________