Cops and Cons - Breaking the stigma…
What happens when a police chief and a man who has spent time behind bars sit down for an honest conversation about life, mistakes, faith, and second chances? In this powerful episode of Conversations with Buddy, I’m joined by Keizer Chief of Police Andrew Copeland and James Blystone to challenge the stigma that cops hate cons. Their relationship tells a different story—one built on humility, understanding, accountability, and the belief that no matter what your past looks like, you’re not too far gone!
Andrew Copeland has served with the Keizer Police Department since 2002. A lifelong Keizer resident, Western Oregon University football player, husband to his high school sweetheart of more than 27 years, and father of four, Andrew has a personal understanding of how complicated life can become. Growing up in a broken home, moving through more than 20 homes before marriage, and watching his own brother struggle with addiction and repeated trouble with the law have shaped his perspective. Andrew shares how his Christian faith has kept him grounded and helped him navigate life’s challenges. His story reminds us that law enforcement officers are people, too, with families, struggles, and personal experiences that can deepen their compassion for others.
James Blystone brings a different perspective, having experienced the consequences of poor choices and life behind bars. He’s a man who enjoys fast cars and playing sports rather than just watching them, but his story is about much more than his past. We talk about the pull of the old life, parole violations, the challenges of rebuilding after prison, and what it means to redeem your past rather than allow it to define your future. From a memorable letter written in crayon to the possibility of becoming a “retired criminal,” James’s journey highlights the importance of accountability, personal growth, and choosing a different road—even when the road back is difficult.
Together, Andrew and James explore what happens when we put pride aside, and learn to see the person instead of just the label. We discuss where people get off track, how relationships can be restored, and why second chances require both grace and responsibility. Whether it’s learning to pause, reflect, decompress, and reconnect, or recognizing that sometimes God speaks to people in the darkest places—including prison—this conversation challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about people who have made serious mistakes. Your past does not have to define you, and compassion does not mean abandoning accountability.
My hope is that this episode encourages you to look beyond labels, extend grace without ignoring the truth, and recognize the potential for transformation in every person. What if the person you’ve written off is still becoming who they were meant to be? What if a relationship you thought was beyond repair could be restored? Andrew and James remind us that redemption is possible, the future can look different from the past, and nobody should be defined forever by the worst thing they’ve ever done. Join us for Cops and Cons—an honest conversation about faith, forgiveness, law enforcement, prison, and the power of second chances.
If you are interested in connecting with either of these men, to sit down over a coffee and have a deep conversation, please send me a text and let’s make it happen!
#copsandcons #conversationswithbuddy
🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact.
The Gospel is “good news”… The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
_ _ _
For more stories like this, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckettIf you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031.
_ _ _
About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years. A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married. This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage. We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well. Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ!
“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6
Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit
www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates.
Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).