The nameplate on Gary Copeland's desk still designates him as assistant chief of the Sylvania Township police department, “but I'm the one driving the boat,'' he said, since the retirement late last month of chief Wayne Seely.

Township trustees said they will not seek applications for the chief's position and made it clear that Mr. Copeland is likely to be named chief, probably before the end of the year.

Dock Treece, a township trustee, said Mr. Copeland “was brought here expressly to replace Chief Seely. We just didn't think it would happen this soon.

“We decided we would wait a reasonable amount of time for him to test his mettle, and I'm sure he'll get the job done,'' Mr. Treece said.

Mr. Copeland makes it clear that being chief of the department is something he wants and is upbeat about his new responsibilities.

``This is a terrific department and all of our officers work well together. I've enjoyed it and been impressed with everyone since I started here,'' said Chief Copeland, who joined the department in April, 2000.

He was recruited from the Wauseon police department, where he had been for about 10 years, and where he had worked with Mr. Seely.

Dick Moses, another township trustee, said he was a bit leery about that personal connection before Chief Copeland arrived, “but I was impressed during his interview and that has become a favorable lasting impression.''

Chief Copeland is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and his office has a dress uniform cap resting on the top of a low credenza next to a police uniform cap.

Also glittering from the top of the credenza are medals he has won in martial arts and power-lifting in the service and in the police olympics.

“I believe in fitness and I believe in a fit police force, `' the muscular chief said. “You walk around here and you won't see a bunch of doughnut-eating police officers.''

He acknowledged that most police work doesn't require strength and stamina, but on occasion fitness can make the difference between the arrest or escape of a felon.

The chief also said he is pleased with the general public perception that the township is a safe place to live and do business, but added that it can sometimes be a two-edged sword.

He said people are prone to let their guard down and cautioned that everyone should have a degree of vigilance.

“I would like to increase community activities so people are aware of precautions they should take,'' he said.

As examples, Chief Copeland said people should not park at night in lots except where it is well-lighted, and should also be prudent when answering the door.

“A guy might knock on the door and when he asks if the husband is at home, the woman might say, `no, he works the second shift.' Well, she's just given this guy invaluable information if he has some criminal intent.”

His management philosophy, Chief Copeland noted, is to involve as many people in problem solving as possible.

“I'll make the final decision, but I want as much input as I can get.''

He added that when he is asked how he manages people, his response is, “I don't manage people I manage issues.''

He said he tries to lead by example, and notes that he commands the SWAT team and goes on their raids.

The chief insists on being called to the scene of unusual or serious incidents.

He agreed with a point trustees had made that it is important for a chief to be able to reach an area in the township in a short period of time.

“That's why I sold my house in Wauseon, some rental property, and two karate studios in Wauseon. “I bought property here and built a house here. I'm about five minutes from the police station if I'm needed,” he said.

First Published September 6, 2001, 11:34 a.m.