San Marcos Officer remembered as friend and hero

The funeral for San Marcos police officer Kenneth Copeland was held in San Antonio. Officer Copeland was shot to death - a week ago Monday - while serving an arrest warrant.

The day began with the body of officer Copeland body being taken from the funeral home in San Marcos to the church here in San Antonio. A long procession of law enforcement vehicles followed down I-35. The sanctuary at Community Bible Church was filled as Copeland was remembered. He was described throughout the service as a person who understood that wearing the badge was more than enforcing the law - it was about caring for and protecting everyone he met. Some of the strongest words came from Sara Danville, his former wife.

"Let's honor Ken the way Ken would want us to honor Ken. And that would be by changing the world, and treating each other the way Ken treated us. I implore you to not remember Ken by how he died, but remember ken by how he lived. RIP baby you deserve it," said Danville.

Officer Ken Copeland's death was described as a senseless act of violence, but his friends, family and coworkers also said his life was filled with love and full of meaning.

"To deal with some rough people and have that mindset to flip the switch and do that job well, perform it with might and with strength like a modern day warrior and turn around get home and be gentle and kind, roll around the floor. He was so giving," said Steven Greek, Copeland's brother in law.

The ceremony ended with a walk by with a riderless horse from APD's mounted patrol. there was also an aerial flyover led by a coast guard helicopter. Officer Copeland was a member of the coast guard reserve unit that is station in Corpus Christi.

"The outpouring of support that we felt, from not only in our community but really the entire United States has been amazing over the last eight days or so, it's times like this we realize the silent majority is not so silent and show us the love and support that they have for us and I think Ken earned that from our profession, so it's been amazing and I want to thank everyone for that," said SMPD Chief Chase Stapp.

Officer Copeland's body was then taken for a private burial ceremony with his family. Officer Copeland served on the San Marcos police force for 19 years.

He leaves behind a wife and four sons.