On Tuesday, January 17, the El Paso Police Agency announced the death of its police chief, Greg Allen, who had served in the department for nearly four decades. Allen, El Paso’s first African American police chief, died at the age of 71, and his passing was lamented by the whole city, including the mayor. While the cause of death has not been announced, El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said that Allen was in the hospital recuperating after an (undisclosed) medical treatment. Allen was named El Paso’s first African American police chief in March 2008, three decades after joining the El Paso Police Department and patrolling the Central and West Sides.
Greg Allen has been a police officer for a long time.
The whole town was grieved by the loss of El Paso police chief Greg Allen, who was well-regarded within the department, shortly after the city announced his death. El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, who praised Allen for his bravery and dedication, said:
“Today, we lost a wonderful leader. El Paso Chief of Police Greg Allen was not just a great cop, but also a great son, husband, father, and friend. Every officer in his unit respected him, and I was glad to call him a friend. He will be profoundly missed, and El Paso will be eternally grateful for his leadership.”
The mayor expressed his heartfelt condolences to Allen’s family, emphasizing that the loss would be felt by those closest to him as well as the whole community. Allen, who joined the department in 1978, rose through the ranks as a patrol officer, training specialist, sergeant, and lieutenant before being named police chief in 2008. According to media sources, El Paso was designated “The Safest Large City” in the United States for four consecutive years during his stint as chief. El Paso declared the Chief’s death and stated:
“The City of El Paso mourns the loss of longstanding Police Chief Greg Allen. Chief Allen joined the El Paso Police Department in 1978 and was appointed Chief of Police in March 2008. The Watch will come to an end on January 17, 2023.”
The City of El Paso is saddened to report the death of longtime Police Chief Greg Allen.
Chief Allen joined the City of El Paso in 1978 and was named Chief of Police in March 2008.
End of Watch January 17, 2023. pic.twitter.com/lYqI7lizzy
— City of El Paso (@ElPasoTXGov) January 17, 2023
El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles, who characterized Allen as a dear friend, expressed his condolences and said:
“I could go on and on about Greg’s achievements and recognitions, but what I will miss most about him are our lengthy phone discussions when we could vent to one other.”
Following the announcement of Allen’s death, law enforcement officers gathered for a funeral procession, accompanying the dead officer from the Hospitals of Providence East Campus to Sunset Funeral Homes in the Lower Valley.
