Patrolman John H. Combs, Parma Police Department, Idaho

Patrolman John H. Combs

Parma Police Department, Idaho

End of Watch Monday, September 22, 1969

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John H. Combs

Patrolman John Combs was shot and killed when he stopped to investigate three men in a vehicle parked on the side of the highway two miles east of Parma.

The three men inside were wanted for an earlier armed robbery. Patrolman Combs was struck by a shotgun blast as he approached the vehicle. The suspects shot and wounded a civilian riding with him before stealing his patrol car. Two suspects were arrested a short time later after they overturned the patrol car following a high-speed pursuit. The third suspect was apprehended the next day.

All three suspects were charged with Patrolman Combs' murder. One died in jail while awaiting trial on February 17, 1970. The other two were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life on April 6, 1970. One was paroled on May 1, 1980, and the other suspect was paroled on February 21, 1984.

Patrolman Combs was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the Parma Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 2 years
Badge 401
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Paroled in 1980 and 1984

traffic stop, suspicious vehicle

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I want to thank all of you who paid respect to my Father. It has been a tough road for my brother John and I, but we have worked hard to get through the struggles in life. I now am proud to be a VA Nurse and appreciate all their sacrifices they have made for our country. His legacy now holds 4 daughters (3 of mine) and 3 beautiful Grandbabies (2girls and a boy). My Brother is a great man who has worked hard every day of his life to provide for his family has a daughter. My Father John Henry Combs was a great man...not just because of his service in the military and not for his service as a police officer, but most of all.....as a person. I didn't ever know my Father but so many tell me what a REAL and GREAT guy he was. A real genuine guy. And how much he loved me and my brother, even though we were 4yrs. old and 4mos. old. I know he is in Heaven watching over us and many others, because that was his true character....he always cared about everyone. I know he is apart of my soul and I carry that with me everyday in my nursing service with my Veterans at VA. His legacy and kindness will live on with his grandbabies and great grandbabies.

DAUGHTER, LPN, TCT PRECEPTOR VETERANS AF
Daughter

May 24, 2025