After 15 years of leading the El Paso Police Department, Police Chief Greg Allen has died at the age of 71.
Allen, whose career spans all the way to 1978, when he first joined the police force, has been chief since 2008 after being interim Police Chief following the resignation of Chief Richard Wiles.
“We lost a great leader today. El Paso Chief of Police Greg Allen was not only an incredible Chief of Police, but he was an incredible son, husband, father, and friend,” said El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser. “He earned the respect of every officer on his force, and I was proud to call him my friend. He will be greatly missed, and the City of El Paso will be forever indebted to him for his leadership. Our heart goes out to his wife Rosanne and his entire family at this difficult and painful time. He was an esteemed member of our city family and we mourn alongside them.”
Under his leadership, Allen was able to keep El Paso as one of the safest cities in the nation especially when Ciudad Juarez; our sister city, became one of the most dangerous. Allen also retained his leadership role during what many would say is one the darkest moments in El Paso history, the 2019 Walmart massacre.
His death was announced Tuesday afternoon after he passed away at Sierra Providence East Campus, but a cause of death was not revealed. After the announcement, a large group of police officers arrived at Sierra Providence for a police procession.
There is no word on funeral arrangements or memorial services. The Prospector will continue to provide updates as the story develops.
Itzel Giron is the editor-in-chief and may be reached at [email protected]; @by.itzel.giron on Instagram; @itzel_anahi_16 on Twitter.
