Sgt. Robert Allen Honored for 30 Years of Service

Key West Police Chief Donie Lee and City Manager Jim Scholl recognized Sgt. Robert Allen for his 30 years of service and his retirement at last night’s City Commission meeting.

Sgt. Allen started with the police department in December of 1987. Because he was just 19 years old, one of his first assignment was working undercover sting operations on merchants who were illegally selling alcohol to minors.

 In 1989, he was shot in the line of duty, along with now-retired Officer Stephen Hammers.

Sgt. Allen earned many accolades for his service. He was inducted into the American Police Hall of Fame; he was awarded the Silver Star for bravery; he received an award from the Legion of Honor. He was named Officer of the Year by the Key West Police Department as well as the by the State of Florida. In his honor, then-Mayor Tony Tarracino proclaimed November 14th as Police Officers’ Day in perpetuity.

He was promoted to Sergeant in March of 2003.

In addition to founding the Honor Guard, Sgt. Allen provided many firsts during his 30-year career. He founded the Love Fund, which provides support for members of the department in times of need. He was one of the first marine officers, and he founded the Dive Team. Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, he became the Department’s first port security supervisor.
In addition, Sgt. Allen has served as a traffic homicide investigator, been a member of the Special Response Team, and served as a radar instructor. He was also the Department’s first motorcycle unit instructor.

Throughout his tenure, Sgt. Allen has served with professionalism and dedication, taking pride in the example he has set for the future of the Police Department.

In the photo: Chief Donie Lee, Sgt. Robert Allen and City Manager Jim Scholl.

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