TITLE: In memory of El Paso Police Chief Gregory K. Allen.

SUMMARY: In memory of El Paso Police Chief Gregory K. Allen.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of Chief Gregory K. Allen of the El Paso Police Department on January 17, 2023, at the age of 71; and WHEREAS, The son of Grady R. Allen and Janet Lee, Greg Allen was born in Fort Bliss to a military family, and he lived in a number of cities in the U.S. and Germany during his childhood; his family eventually settled in El Paso, and he graduated from Bel Air High School in 1969; he subsequently worked as a martial arts instructor at the local YMCA before earning a bachelor's degree in sociology from The University of Texas at El Paso; he went on to accept a position with the West Texas Council on Alcoholism; and WHEREAS, Chief Allen began his career in law enforcement in 1978, when he joined the El Paso Police Department as a patrol officer; over the course of his more than 44 years with the agency, he served as a training specialist, sergeant, lieutenant, and deputy chief, and he was a member of several high-profile units, including the Gang Task Force and the Auto Theft Task Force; he further distinguished himself in his roles as supervisor of a full-time SWAT Unit and commander of the Dignitary Protection Team; appointed chief of the El Paso Police Department in March 2008, he was the first African American officer to hold that position; and WHEREAS, Chief Allen skillfully guided the department through a period of tremendous growth, and under his able leadership, El Paso ranked as one of the safest cities in the nation for four consecutive years from 2010 to 2013; he also played an instrumental role in responding to the community's most difficult challenges, including the tragic mass shooting in 2019; and WHEREAS, Blessed with a devoted family, Chief Allen benefited from the love and support of his wife, Rosanne, and their children; he enjoyed studying martial arts during his leisure hours, and he was inducted into the El Paso Boxing and Martial Arts Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, A dedicated law enforcement professional, Greg Allen devoted himself to serving the community he loved, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Chief Gregory K. Allen and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family; to his wife, Rosanne Allen; to his children, Joseph Silva, Christopher Paulos, Nicole Broeckel, and Monique Pasco; to his brother, Geoffrey Allen, and his sister, Sylvia Brown; to his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Greg Allen.