When Adams joined the Upper Allen Police Department as its fifth, full-time officer in 1978, he could work seven nights in a row and not get a single call. Now, says Adams, the chief since 2003, his agency of 23 officers are generally very busy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After a 42-year career with the department, Adams retired on July 29, 2020. He said his departure was bittersweet.
Board of Commissioners President Ken Martin praised Adams. “He’s more than just a police chief,” Martin said. “He is invested in the community and really thinks of the safety and quality of life of the residents. For him, it’s a passion and career instead of just a job. We’re going to miss him.”
Adams first became a Mechanicsburg volunteer fireman at 16 and shortly thereafter became one of the first EMT’s in the County, giving him more than 50 years in emergency services.
After earning an associate degree in criminal justice, Adams joined the police department in 1978. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration. While working full-time at Upper Allen he taught criminal justice at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) for 11 years as an Adjunct Professor. He continues to teach in the Police Academy along with other specialized programs at HACC.
Following promotions to corporal and patrol sergeant, Adams became the department’s first lieutenant in 2001. Adams is a graduate of the 173rd FBI National Academy.
Perhaps Chief Adams’ most searing memory is of informing a wife on Christmas morning of the sudden heart-attack death of her young husband as he went to retrieve presents for the family in another municipality. Until a relative could come to the home, Adams sat with three children on his lap in front of the family’s Christmas tree consoling them.
“People don’t realize we do these things,’’ he said. “It’s a tough part of the job.’’
Residents are always responding with appreciation, he said, whether officers help change a flat tire, solve a crime or help them thru a crisis.
“Our break room is routinely filled with food people drop off to say thank you,” he noted.
In retirement, Adams plans to continue working for HACC’s law enforcement center and for the PA Chiefs of Police Association Consulting Division. He also plans to take up golf, visit every Pennsylvania winery after his wife retires and take his antique Pontiac Grand Prix to auto shows.
He will fondly remember his Upper Allen career, the work ethic of his staff and the support of the Commissioners. “I will miss the guys and gals here a heck of a lot,” he said. “They’ve kept me going.”
