TITLE: In memory of Chief Darrell Lamond Allen of the Marlin Police Department and commemorating his posthumous receipt of a Star of Texas Award.

SUMMARY: In memory of Chief Darrell Lamond Allen of the Marlin Police Department and commemorating his posthumous receipt of a Star of Texas Award.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Chief Darrell Lamond Allen of the Marlin Police Department was posthumously honored with the Star of Texas Award on September 12, 2016; and WHEREAS, Established by the 78th Texas Legislature in 2003, the Star of Texas Awards annually recognize first responders who have been seriously injured or killed in the line of duty; recipients are selected by three advisory committees appointed by the governor; and WHEREAS, Chief Allen passed away on November 10, 2015, at the age of 43, after succumbing to injuries sustained while attempting to arrest a man in a club in Temple; and WHEREAS, Born in Galveston on January 17, 1972, to Lee and Jeweline Allen, Darrell Allen graduated from Texas City High School in 1990 and went on to earn an associate degree in criminal justice from McLennan Community College in Waco; he later furthered his education at Tarleton State University, where he completed a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2015; and WHEREAS, Chief Allen began his career in 1994 with the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, and during his 21 years as a peace officer, he served with the Alvin Independent School District, the Hitchcock, Danbury, Arcola, and Lott Police Departments, and the Constable's Office for Precinct 6 in Houston; after accepting a position with the Marlin Police Department in 2005, he quickly rose through the ranks and was named assistant chief in 2006; he became chief of police in 2009, and in that role, he worked tirelessly to improve police-community relations and juvenile safety in the Marlin area; and WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Chief Allen was the proud father of 10 children, Issac, DarraMeisha, Jasey, Erin, Andrew, Sheldon, Derrick, Josselyn, Jazzmin, and Melissa, and he was further blessed with 6 treasured grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Texans owe an immense debt of gratitude to the men and women of the law enforcement profession who willingly place themselves in harm's way to protect and serve the public, and the presentation of a Star of Texas Award in honor of Darrell Allen ensures that his dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Chief Darrell Lamond Allen and commemorate his posthumous receipt of a Star of Texas Award; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Darrell Lamond Allen. Kacal Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 115 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 23, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House