The El Paso Police Agency announced the death of its police chief, Greg Allen, on Tuesday, January 17, after nearly four decades of service.
El Paso’s first African American police chief, Allen, died at the age of 71, and his death was mourned by the entire city, including the mayor. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser stated that Allen was in the hospital recovering from (undisclosed) medical treatment at the time of his death.
In March 2008, Allen was named El Paso’s first African American police chief, three decades after joining the department and patrolling the Central and West Sides.
Greg Allen has a long history as a police officer
The death of El Paso police chief Greg Allen, who was well-regarded within the department, shocked the entire city shortly after the city announced his death. El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser commended Allen’s bravery and dedication, saying:
“Today, we lost a fantastic leader. Greg Allen, the Chief of Police in El Paso, was not only a great cop, but also a great son, husband, father, and friend. Every officer in his unit looked up to him, and I was honored to call him a friend. He will be sorely missed, and El Paso will be forever grateful for his leadership.”
The mayor expressed his heartfelt condolences to Allen’s family, emphasizing that the loss would be felt not only by those closest to him but by the entire community.
Allen joined the department in 1978 and worked his way up through the ranks as a patrol officer, training specialist, sergeant, and lieutenant before being appointed police chief in 2008. During his tenure as chief, El Paso was named “America’s Safest Large City” for four consecutive years, according to media reports. El Paso declared the Chief dead, saying:
“The City of El Paso mourns the death of long-serving Police Chief Greg Allen. Chief Allen began his career with the El Paso Police Department in 1978 and was promoted to Chief of Police in March 2008. “The Watch will end on January 17, 2023.”
El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles expressed his condolences and said: “Allen was a dear friend.”
“I could go on and on about Greg’s accomplishments and awards, but what I will miss most about him are our long phone conversations where we could vent to one another.”
Following the announcement of Allen’s death, police officers gathered for a funeral procession from the Hospitals of Providence East Campus to Sunset Funeral Homes in the Lower Valley.
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