EMS Chief and County Coroner

Tommy Copeland is a native of Cookeville, Tennessee and is proud to serve the community in which he and his family live. He decided at the age of 11 that he wanted to become a Paramedic. During his teen years, he actively pursued this goal, and became involved as a CPR instructor and a member of the Putnam County Rescue Squad before he was old enough to get his EMT license.

Tommy began his career at Putnam County EMS in 1985 as an Emergency Medical Technician. During his tenure at EMS he has served as a staff EMT, staff Paramedic, EMS Shift Supervisor, Assistant Director, and is currently the Chief of the service, in addition to serving as the County Coroner.

During Tommy’s career, he has actively worked to advance EMS care in this area. He is currently closely involved in various committees at the state and local level to improve the community and emergency medicine.  He has a very strong commitment to improving prehospital care and emergency planning, both in Putnam County and throughout the state of Tennessee.  

Tommy is married and has 2 adult sons. He enjoys reading, movies, and target shooting.