Command Officers
Chief Gary L. Copeland
Chief Gary L. Copeland, formerly from Northern Ohio, has been in law enforcement for over 35 years following a four-year tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Copeland served overseas during his military tenure, where he was also a member of the Marine Corps karate team. Mr. Copeland’s education consists of a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Tiffin University and a Bachelor’s in Management with a minor in Criminology from Indiana Wesleyan University, graduating from both with honors. He has also graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Certified Law Enforcement Executive and the Police Executive Leadership College in Columbus, Ohio sponsored by the Law Enforcement Foundation in cooperation with the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. Mr. Copeland is a member of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the FBI National Academy Associates. Mr. Copeland is married with a daughter and two sons, one who served in the Army, 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Copeland’s hobbies consist of weight training, martial arts and playing guitar. He enjoys working with the residents of the Village in a collaborative effort to improve the quality of life in Waynesville.
Lt. Daniel Bledsoe
Lt. Daniel Bledsoe graduated from the Sinclair Police Academy. Shortly after graduation, he was commissioned with the Waynesville Police Department in February 2011. Lt. Bledsoe was promoted to Sergeant in February 2015 and then Lieutenant in 2016. He oversees the daily operations of the Police Department and holds the positions of FTO Supervisor and Special Events Coordinator. Lt. Bledsoe received the Officer of the Year Award in 2012 and numerous commendations for drug interdiction early in his career. He completed the Supervisor Training and Education Program (STEP) in May 2022. Lt. Bledsoe is married, has one son, and enjoys spending time with his family and watching the Cincinnati Reds.
Sgt. Jonathan Denlinger
Sgt. Denlinger graduated from the Greene County Criminal Justice Academy in 2008 and joined the Waynesville Police Department later that year. Sgt. Denlinger is the Firearms Instructor and Evidence Technician for the department. He enjoys spending time with his family and collecting and shooting his firearms in his spare time. Sgt. Denglinger is married and currently has one daughter. He was awarded Officer of the Year for 2009.