Rogers police chief dies after illness

FILE PHOTO James Allen, right, answers reporters questions in March 2011 after being named the Rogers Chief of Police by Mayor Greg Hines, left, at City Hall. Allen died Wednesday after a lengthy illness.
FILE PHOTO James Allen, right, answers reporters questions in March 2011 after being named the Rogers Chief of Police by Mayor Greg Hines, left, at City Hall. Allen died Wednesday after a lengthy illness.

ROGERS -- James Allen, Rogers police chief, died Thursday morning after a long struggle with cancer.

Allen, 60, will be remembered for his leadership and his character, said those who knew him.

At A Glance

James Allen’s Career

• August 1977: Allen began his public service career as a patrolman and emergency medical technician in Jacksonville.

• December 1979: Allen became an officer with the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division.

• January 1981: Allen joined the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, leaving with the rank of captain in January 1989.

• February 1989: Allen became Bentonville police chief. He retired March 31, 2011.

• April 4, 2011: Allen was sworn in as Rogers police chief. He held the office until his death Jan. 22.

Source: Rogers Police Department

He took over the Rogers Police Department in 2011 after retiring at the Bentonville Police Department where he was chief for 22 years.

Allen's fingerprints are on many projects at both police departments, said Rogers Mayor Greg Hines. The two men knew each other for years.

"He hired me as a rookie cop," Hines said.

Hines was 22, and a newly-elected city councilman from a neighboring city, but Allen saw something in him, he said. The two would chat sometimes at night when Hines came in for swing shifts. Allen was his mentor until the end, Hines said.

Allen had high expectations, but didn't rule by fear. He inspired others to do the right thing, Hines said.

"He's not a person you wanted to disappoint," he said.

Hines credits Allen with setting up community outreach programs in Rogers including a citizens police academy and outreaches to the Latino community.

Bentonville mayor Bob McCaslin said when Allen started a residents police academy in 2001, he signed up for the first class. Allen also started self-defense classes for women in Bentonville.

Allen worked to make sure police weren't perceived as just blue lights and handcuffs, but as a part of the community, McCaslin said. He sought facts before making changes, McCaslin said. He valued his people and that inspired loyalty.

"They would literally go through fire and a brick wall for their chief," he said.

When Allen came to Bentonville the Police Department was housed in an old rock building, McCaslin said. He credits Allen with building the Bentonville Police Department into what it is today both in personnel and in the design of the building.

The two were personal friends before he became mayor and it was a friendship he valued, McCaslin said.

"It's a great loss for all of us," he said.

Allen's view on policing was global and not limited to his department, Hines said.

Rogers Fire Chief Tom Jenkins said he respected Allen's experience and partnered with the police chief, who was interested in preventative fire education for children and keeping a robust ambulance service. During city meetings Allen would champion needs at the Fire Department, Jenkins said.

"He was my biggest cheerleader," Jenkins said.

Allen had a good sense of humor and would offer advice.

"He was also the most genuine person I've ever been around," Jenkins said.

Some of Allen's advice lives on at the Police Department as "Allen-isms," said Capt. Hayes Minor.

"There's no right way to do the wrong thing," Allen often told him, Minor said.

Hines, McCaslin and Minor all cited one of Allen's favorite sayings: "Do the right thing in the right way at the right time and treat everyone with dignity and respect."

"It's a thing he said often but he lived it," Minor said.

Allen embodied leadership qualities, Minor said, but his boss would have waived that aside. Work is important, Allen believed, but he told his officers their priorities should be God, family and then the Rogers Police Department. Allen was more proud of his son, Chris Allen, than anything else, Minor said.

Allen had his last staff meeting Monday, Hines said. He had been in command of the Police Department throughout his illness and was police chief at the time of his death, Hines said.

Employees at the Police Department vote annually for employee of the year, civilian employee of the year and for a leadership award, Minor said. Allen received the leadership award for 2013 and 2014, Minor said. After the vote they rushed to get his plaque made and presented it to him at the Monday meeting.

The American flag and Arkansas flags flying in front of the Police Department were retired Thursday morning after Allen's staff learned of his death. They will be presented to his family at a later time, Minor said.

It is Hines' responsibility to appoint Allen's successor. He appointed Minor as interim chief, but it is premature to name anyone to the position yet, Hines said Thursday.

Minor said Allen's legacy will continue. No sweeping changes are planned, he said.

"You can't turn an aircraft carrier on a dime," Minor said, quoting Allen.

Hines said Allen told him department is there to serve with quiet professionalism, which was more than a motto.

"The model was lead by example," Hines said.

Amye Buckley can be reached by email at abuckley@nwadg or on Twitter @NWAAmye.

NW News on 01/23/2015

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