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Residents urge Stephens City council to pick a local candidate for police chief, many backing Bill Copp
Summary
At a Dec. 3 community forum, multiple residents urged Stephens City leaders to hire a chief who lives in town and knows the community; several speakers explicitly endorsed Bill Copp. Council outlined a multi-step hiring process and will make the final selection after interviews and assessments.
Residents filled the public-comment period at the Stephens City Town Council meeting on Dec. 3 to press the council to choose a police chief who lives in and knows the town.
"I want a Chief that knows the town and its residents, someone that will look over my place," said Judy Whiting, who identified herself as a resident, and added that she believed Bill Copp fit that description. Several other residents echoed that view. Belinda Double said Copp was "the Heartbeat of the Community" and a leader who "leads by example." Lois Hall, Bill Dodson and others said they would call Copp for help and supported his appointment.
Acting Chief Steve Hawkins presented the Town Manager with a letter from the Police Administrative Clerk supporting Copp; written messages from Brad and Joyce Largent and an email from Seth Thatcher were also read into the record in support of a chief who lives in town.
Vice Mayor Jason Nauman summarized the council's planned selection steps: a panel review to reduce 23 applications to 10, a peer review to narrow that list to six, interviews with the finalists and a comprehensive assessment to identify the most qualified candidate, with the Town Council making the final hiring decision.
Why it matters: Council members will be choosing a municipal chief who will oversee local policing and community relations. Residents emphasized local knowledge, character and community presence as priorities; the council's multi-stage process includes interviews and assessments that could weigh experience against community fit.
What happens next: The council will proceed with the outlined screening and interview steps. No formal appointment was made at the Dec. 3 meeting.
