Rock Beats

Combs receives Police Department’s Challenge Coin

Detective John Combs (left) receives the Police Department's CHIP Challenge Coin from Chief Allen Banks

Detective John Combs (left) receives the Police Department’s CHIP Challenge Coin from Chief Allen Banks for his efforts to help Hope Alliance Crisis Center.

Police Chief Allen Banks awarded Detective John Combs the Police Department’s CHIP Challenge Coin for exhibiting the Department’s core values of Community, Honor, Integrity, and Pride for organizing a toiletry supply drive for the Hope Alliance Crisis Center in Round Rock. Hope Alliance serves more than 2,800 clients each year.

In 2012, 6,854 nights of shelter were provided to 363 women and children. After many years of working closely with the shelter and its staff, John began to think about their daily needs. Speaking with shelter staff, he learned that basic grooming supplies like shampoo, soap, and lotion are provided to all incoming clients. Although these items may be taken for granted by many people, they provide comfort to those who have to stay at the shelter. John challenged all of PD’s employees to help gather supplies.

At the end of the drive, more than 1,500 items had been collected and were delivered to Hope Alliance. Additionally, John arranged a city-wide collection during October 2014, and has plans to make the collection a larger event this year.

John identified a need in the community, and his efforts benefited not only members of our immediate area who stay at Hope Alliance, but also individuals throughout the county by allowing Hope Alliance to focus on providing other critical services.

Congratulations, John! And thank you!