San Marcos Community honors fallen SMPD Officer in candle light vigil

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Snow and low temperatures did not deter the massive crowd that stood outside the Hay’s County Courthouse front steps Thursday night. The community stood together to honor fallen San Marcos Officer Kenneth Copeland who was shot to death Monday while attempting to serve an arrest warrant.
 
Dozens held candles and huddled under umbrellas while Chief of Police Chase Stapp and Mayor John Thomaides shared kind words then there was prayer. People bowed their heads and stood for a moment of silence. Sierra Cyrus a fellow SMPD officer’s wife carried a blue American flag, she said she had to be there to honor her friend Copeland.
 
“He always had a smile and a great smile he was always so kind and exuded from his heart he could walk into a room and it just lit up,” Cyrus said. “It affects all of us because it’s hard to watch your loved one continue with police work it’s always a thought when they walk out the door.”
 
Officers from the San Antonio Police Department were present including San Marcos EMS and dispatchers. SM Dispatcher Karen Cavala said it was important to be together through this difficult time.

 “It was very emotional because at this point we’re community and we all come together,” Cavala said. “There’s no I wear the badge or I’m a dispatcher or I’m just a firefighter just a friend everyone comes together and were all one. “He’s always going to be remembered he’s a wonderful person wonderful father and friend and we are never going to forget you thank you for the snow.”

Officer Copeland will be laid to rest on Tuesday and his funeral service will take place Wednesday in San Antonio.