Command Officers

Chief Gary L. Copeland

Chief Gary L. Copeland, formerly of Northern Ohio, has been in law enforcement for over 30 years following a four-year tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps. He served overseas during his military tenure, where he was also a member of the Marine Corps karate team. Chief 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 with honors and distinction. He has also graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, as well as Certified Law Enforcement Executive Training and the Police Executive Leadership College in Columbus, OH both of which are sponsored by the Law Enforcement Foundation in cooperation with the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief 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. Chief Copeland is married with a daughter and two sons. Chief'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 Sinclair Police Academy. Shortly after graduation, he was commissioned with the Waynesville Police Department in February 2011. Lt. Bledsoe received a commendation on October 1st, 2012 for conducting a traffic stop which brought several cases to a successful conclusion of a multiple jurisdiction copper theft. Lt. Bledsoe was also awarded Officer of the Year for 2012.

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.