Joe McCombs
He worked as a disc jockey to help raise money for EDCO Park, coached youth sports, served as a volunteer firefighter and worked as a police officer for 33 years, yet Joe McCombs was surprised to be recognized for his community service.
“I was surprised. It was very humbling,” McCombs said. “I was very appreciative of it.”
He was presented a Hometown Hero award by Rotarians in Evans City Rotary and nominated by longtime friend and neighbor Ed Tanski, owner of Buttercup Woodlands Campground in Renfrew.
“Joe well deserves the recognition that’s for sure,” Tanski said. “Since he was a young man, he has always been community minded.”
McCombs has helped raise money for Shriners Hospitals for Children and EDCO Park, coached youth football and softball in Evans City, served as a firefighter for the Evans City Volunteer Fire Department and worked his way from patrol officer to police chief over the course of 33 years, and counting, in the police department.
He said he landed his first job “fresh out of the academy” with the Evans City Police Department in 1990. That same year, he was hired by the Jackson Township Police Department. Both jobs were part time.
In addition, he worked for the Lancaster Township Police Department as a part-time officer for 12 years early in his career.
McCombs became a full-time officer in Evans City in 1993. He was promoted to corporal and then sergeant before being named chief in 1996 while continuing to work for Jackson Township until the following year.
“I like all aspects of the job. I really do,” McCombs said. “Overall, I’ve enjoyed my career. I’ve dealt with every scenario you could think of. Looking back, we’ve accomplished some major arrests.”
Evans City and Seven Fields boroughs combined their resources to form the Evans City-Seven Fields Regional Police Department in 2013. That relationship ended this year, leaving McCombs and another officer as the last two department members while the boroughs look for new municipal partners to provide police services. At one time, the department had 15 officers under McCombs’ command.
McCombs is a lifetime member of the Evans City Volunteer Fire Department with 25 years of service including eight years as an active firefighter from 1982 to 1990.
He said his time as an active firefighter ended after he and his wife, Lisa, who have now been married for 30 years, started having children. His three daughters, Baylee of Charlestown, S.C., and Kenzie and Payton, who live in Evans City, are now adults.
Coincidentally, McCombs said he is not able to attend the Hometown Heroes awards dinner because Kenzie is getting married that day.
He said he was just a boy when Tanski moved to the borough and became friends with his parents. They are now neighbors.
Tanski attributes McCombs’ dedication to community service to his upbringing.
“He’s always been one of those folks you looked to for community spirit,” Tanski said.
Working with the police and fire departments, McCombs displayed his ability to perform in stressful situations, Tanski said. He said his friend also helped train young firefighters.
“It’s always been fun watching him going through life,” Tanski said. “He’s always been looked up to and respected. He’s just one of those gentlemen you always liked to be around.”
