City of Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland Retires After More Than 26 Years of Service

On Friday July 3rd at the City’s Annual Freedom Fest Independence Day celebration Mayor Nathan Senn announced the retirement of Chief of Police Heath Copeland Jr. and presented him with a Key to the City.  Copeland’s retirement brings to a close a remarkable career started and finished at the City of Laurens Police Department – a career  defined by integrity and an unwavering commitment to the community he has proudly called home.

Chief Copeland’s Legacy of Service

Chief Copeland’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Laurens Police Department.

“There are very few people who dedicate their entire career to serving one community,” said Mayor Nathan Senn. “For more than 26 years, Chief Heath Copeland has done exactly that. He has led with humility, treated people with respect, and always put the citizens of Laurens first. His impact reaches far beyond the badge, and our city is better because of his service.”

Chief Copeland began his career with the Laurens Police Department in October 2000 after graduating from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as a Distinguished Graduate. Hired by then-Chief Robin Morse, he started as a patrol officer before steadily rising through the ranks as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Community Relations Officer, Captain, and ultimately Chief of Police in March 2024.

Throughout his career, Chief Copeland earned the respect of fellow officers and the trust of the community by leading with character, accountability, and compassion. While his title changed over the years, his approach never did—he believed policing was built on relationships, mutual respect, and serving others before himself.

Beyond law enforcement, Chief Copeland became deeply invested in the community he served. He mentored students at the District 55 Alternative School, served through the Laurens Rotary Club and Leadership Laurens, and was recognized with the 2023 John P. Faris Volunteer of the Year Award and the Russ Emerson Award for his commitment to volunteerism and servant leadership.

His legacy will also be found within the Laurens Police Department itself. Over the course of his career, Chief Copeland helped mentor and develop countless officers, believing that investing in the next generation of leaders was one of the greatest responsibilities of public service.

“Chief Copeland’s leadership has always been about people,” Mayor Senn said. “He invested in his officers, supported his community, and led with a servant’s heart. We will certainly miss him, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has given to the City of Laurens over the last two and a half decades.”

Chief Copeland expressed gratitude for the opportunity to spend his career serving the city he loves.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the citizens of Laurens,” Chief Copeland said. “I’ve been blessed to work alongside outstanding officers, city leaders, and community partners who have supported me throughout my career. Laurens will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever be thankful for the relationships and memories made here.”

The City of Laurens recognized Chief Copeland’s extraordinary career during Freedom Fest on Friday, July 3, where he was presented with the Key to the City in appreciation for his dedicated service and lasting impact on the community.

New Chief Announced, Continuity of Leadership at the Laurens Police Department

As the City celebrates Chief Copeland’s remarkable career, it also looks forward toward the future. Mayor Nathan Senn and Chief Copeland are proud to announce that Assistant Chief Dillon Sherfield has been selected as the next Chief of Police for the City of Laurens.

In his retirement letter, Chief Copeland shared that preparing future leaders has always been one of his greatest priorities and expressed complete confidence in Assistant Chief Sherfield’s ability to lead the department forward.  

“When I was named Chief of Police in March 2024, I told Assistant Chief Sherfield that we were in this together. He has stood by my side from the beginning and is well prepared to assume leadership and continue guiding the Laurens Police Department into the future.”

Mayor Senn said the announcement reflects not only the strength of the department today, but Chief Copeland’s commitment to ensuring its future success.

“One of Heath’s greatest accomplishments has been preparing the next generation of leadership,” Mayor Senn said. “Dillon Sherfield has earned the trust and respect of our officers, city leadership, and our community. We are proud to continue building on the strong foundation Heath has established, and I have every confidence that Dillon will lead the Laurens Police Department with the same dedication to service, professionalism, and community.”

Sherfield will be officially sworn in as Laurens Chief of Police on July 20th at 2pm.  Details regarding this ceremony will be announced in the coming days.