FORT SMITH - A retired Fort Smith Police Department officer and administrator says he will throw his name in the hat for an open seat on the city’s Board of Directors. Jerrard Copeland announced Tuesday he will seek the Position 7 At-Large seat being vacated by Director Don Hutchings.
Hutchings announced last week that he will run for Mayor of Fort Smith.
“In 1991, I felt a strong calling to serve the citizens of Fort Smith. On November 4, 1991, as a 24-year-old young man, I answered this calling by joining the ranks of The Fort Smith Police Department.” Copeland said in an announcement. “I have thoroughly enjoyed spending the last 25 years of my life doing what I could to help reduce the fear of crime in our community and making the City of Fort Smith one of the safest communities in the country.”
Copeland said though he retired in May of this year, his desires to continue his public service are as strong as they were when he became an officer.
“I believe the citizens of Fort Smith deserve strong leadership, leaders who
are willing to listen to their concerns, their ideas, their pleas for a better life and leaders who put the needs and concerns of the citizens at the top of their list of priorities; leaders who set a good example and serve as role models for our youth.” Copeland said. “I have talked to many citizens of Fort Smith and it is obvious to me that change is wanted and
very much needed. I am ready, and more than willing to do my part to bring about change to our community. Not just change for the sake of change, but change that makes sense and makes our community a better place to live and work. Our citizens want to be heard and appreciated. We deserve much better than what has been offered and in many cases, forced upon us in recent years. As one of seven city directors, I will act with honor, integrity and transparency to restore trust and confidence in our government for our great citizens. I will use a “common sense” approach to tackle the challenges and embrace the many opportunities that are sure to come to our community. It’s my belief that some of the greatest workers, achievers, thinkers, motivators, students, teachers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and good old fashioned hard-working men and women live right here in Fort Smith.”
Copeland cites the ongoing desire to protect his family as one of his reasons to run.
“We deserve every opportunity to make the best life possible for ourselves and our families. We deserve leaders who will represent and appreciate our citizens, and who are responsive to the needs of our community.” Copeland said. “I have a beautiful wife, Nina, and four children, Garrett, Mason, Charlee and Stevie. Obviously, I want the very best for my family, living in a safe community that allows them to learn and grow to be productive citizens. In addition, I want Fort Smith to be a place that our children will have greater opportunities for the future. The second largest city in Arkansas should not be fighting to keep from falling to third or fourth largest, we should be chasing number one. This is my home! I have lived in this area my entire life and I am willing to go to work for our citizens to get OUR home in order and make it the best it can be.”
