A longtime lawman Rogers Police Chief James Allen died Thursday morning (Jan 22) following a long cancer battle.
Allen began chief of police in Rogers in 2011 after spending 22 years in the Bentonville Police Force. He also served with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s office as well as the Alcoholic Beverage Control.
“Chief Allen was one of the most respected law officers in the State of Arkansas. This is a difficult loss for our police department and the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Allen's family,” notes Mayor Greg Hines’ post on the city’s website.
Hines has ordered all city flags to be flown at half-staff until Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Hayes Minor, captain of the Rogers police force, noted in the release that Allen’s passing will be felt for the region and state because of all the lives he touched during his tenured law enforcement career.
"He will be missed immensely," Minor said.
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge saw Chief James Allen as an officer that “never wavered, despite a yearlong battle with cancer, from his oath to keep the citizens of Rogers safe from harm."
“I am saddened by the loss ... My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire law enforcement communities of Bentonville, Rogers and the greater Northwest Arkansas region, as well as Chief Allen’s family and friends,” Rutledge said.
Funeral services will take place in Rogers, though a date has not yet been determined. Rogers Police say Chief Allen will be laid to rest in the Bentonville Cemetery.