Interim City of the Village of Clarkston Police Chief Ernest Combs was named the permanent chief at the June 10 City Council meeting.
‘I’m elated, absolutely,? Combs said, who replaces Chief Paul Ormiston, who retired to become a flight attendant and in-flight security instructor with Spirit Airlines.
‘It’s tough shoes to fill. He was well-liked and successful in the position as chief. I hope to do at least half as well as he did.?
Combs has been acting chief since January, after council members approved the decision Dec. 9.
Originally the June 10 meeting (the meeting was held on Tuesday due to the Monday school election), called for an extension of the appointment of acting chief.
Council members approved the extension to Sept. 30, but Councilman Dave Savage suggested the board rescind the motion and appoint Combs to permanent chief.
‘He’s proven himself in the position of chief and he’s done a good job,? Savage said. ‘We can’t keep him hanging in limbo. We don’t want to see him go on because he lost interest in waiting. It’s in our best interest to retain him as chief.?
The vote was unanimous. ‘I really appreciate the support of the council members,? Combs said. ‘It means a lot to me to have each supporting me.?
The council now enters into negotiations to establish an agreeable contract between the city and Combs, effective July 1.
Combs, who oversees 10 part-time police officers and four reserve (non-paid) officers, hopes to continue to make improvements within the department.
‘I’ve been putting some of my programs in place all along. I change as I see the need, as things come to light.?
This has included expanding the reserve program to save money from overtime salaries to enhance drunk driving patrol once a month, and charging for preliminary breath tests and fingerprinting, as other departments do, to help in police expenses.