Read El Paso police Chief Greg Allen's obituary before memorial, funeral services

Longtime El Paso police Chief Greg Allen's obituary was published in Wednesday's print edition of the El Paso Times.

Allen died Jan. 17 of an undisclosed condition. He was 71. Allen was with the El Paso Police Department since 1978; he became the city's first Black police chief nearly 15 years ago.

Memorial and funeral services for Allen will take place Thursday and Friday, including a public tribute at the Downtown convention center.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has authorized flying flags at half-staff in El Paso County in honor of Allen.

Residents, businesses and government offices are encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff as a sign of honor and respect, officials said.

More:Police Chief Greg Allen's memorial will include martial arts ceremony; here are the details

El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen obituary

Gregory K. Allen - Chief of Police, age 71, entered into eternal rest on January 17, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Grady R. Allen and Janet Lee. Gregory is survived by his loving wife, Rosanne Allen; sons, Joseph Silva and Christopher Paulos. Daughters, Nicole Broeckel and Monique Pasco. His brother, Geoffrey Allen and sister, Sylvia Brown. Sister-in-law Maureen Fuentes, Brother-in-law Joseph Pelletier, Sister-in-law Kelly Nelson and her husband Terry, Brother-in-law Patrick Pelletier and his wife Lisa, along with 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren to honor and cherish his memory. Also leaving behind his K9 companions Willis and Angel. Gregory Keith Allen was born on March 3, 1951, in EI Paso, Texas. At the age of 12 he began taking martial arts instruction which became a life-long passion. He graduated from Bel Air High School in 1969 where he was active in the JROTC program. Greg continued his education at UTEP where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1975. In 1978 Greg began his career with the EI Paso Police Department in the patrol division. He was later assigned to the training division of the Police Academy when he ensured that all police recruits were well prepared for job ahead. He was a member of the department's Special Weapons and Tactics or SWAT Team. Greg then promoted to Sgt. and returned to patrol. He loved being in patrol and called it the backbone of the Police Department. He was then put in charge of the Police Tactical Squad to target high crime areas. After several successful years Greg promoted to Lieutenant and again returned to patrol. He worked the field alongside his officers, and no matter what rank he achieved he was a patrolman at heart and never forgot where he came from. Greg's lifelong passion and success in martial arts was recognized in 1995 when he was inducted into the EI Paso Boxing and Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Greg credited his martial arts training and discipline as providing lessons that served him in all areas of his life. Greg met the love of his life Rosanne in 1996 and married her that same year. They shared a 27-year marriage filled with love commitment to each other. Greg continued his successful career with the EI Paso Police Department where he rose through the ranks and served as Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief under then Police Chief Richard Wiles. Greg was selected Chief of Police in 2008. He was EI Paso's first black Police Chief as well as EI Paso's longest serving Chief at the time of his death -15 years. Under his leadership the City of EI Paso was ranked as "The Safest Large City in the Nation" three years in a row, as well as many other years in the top 10. He was loved and admired by his officers for his no-nonsense attitude and strong stance on crime. Among his many accomplishments in his decorated career, one of his proudest achievements was creating the Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit. He was an animal lover and lifelong advocate for animals and wanted to ensure that someone was fighting for those animals that could not speak for themselves. Greg Allen "Chief" dedicated his life to the service of others. His 45-year police career serving the citizens of EI Paso and his community has made a profound impact. He was a loyal friend, a great role model, and most of all a loving husband to Rosanne who was at his side holding his hand in the end. A Tribute to Chief Gregory K. Allen will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the El Paso Convention Center (1 Civic Center Plaza), El Paso, Texas 79901. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Abundant Church, 1000 Valley Crest Dr, El Paso, Texas 79907. A Graveside Service, with Police Honors will follow at 1:30 PM at Evergreen East Cemetery, 12400 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas 79938. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home - Americas

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Daniel Borunda contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso police Chief Greg Allen's obituary published in newspaper