In Memory of Corrections Officer V Philip Holbert

Federal Officer Dies from COVID

On Sunday, December 6, 2020, a federal officer died from complications arising from COVID19. Captain Billy Dewayne Allen, Sr., age 49, gave his life protecting others. Many officers across the United States have been lost to this tragic pandemic. COVID19 is the number one cause of officers’ death in the line of duty for 2020; 189 sworn officers have died from the virus. Captain Allen served with the Fort Sill Police Department for more than 25 years.

Prior to his work as a law enforcement officer with the Department of Defense, Captain Allen served in the United States Army for more than ten years. While serving, Allen was awarded numerous accommodations including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar, Small Bore Bar, and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Mechanic Bar.

Allen was very much a ‘family man.’ He loved his wife, children, and sports. He enjoyed participating with his sons playing baseball and basketball. Allen was appreciated by the community for his work volunteering to coach baseball for more than 16 years.

United States Department of Defense

Captain Billy Allen was a military police officer who worked at Fort Sill. Military police departments fall under the management of the United States Department of Defense (DOD). As a federal officer, his death is considered as being in the line of duty, as ordered earlier in 2020 by Trump, so that officers’ families could receive full benefits.

The DOD is an executive-level branch department of the federal government. The DOD’s mission is to provide “the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation’s security.” DOD controls and manages all agencies and government functions that are directly related to national security.

The size and scope of the department are enormous. The DOD is the largest employer in the world. They had more than 2.8 million employees and active-duty service members in 2020. The headquarters for the DOD is located in Arlington, VA.

Fort Sill Police Department

Captain Allen was a sworn officer with the Fort Sill Police Department, a military police agency. Military police departments are agencies that are a part of the state’s military. Allen was assigned to the Fort Sill Police Department in Oklahoma.

In the US, each branch of the military supports its own police force. The US Armed Forces police investigate and charge those, on bases or within their own agency, with serious crimes. These are crimes that fall under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Each service supports its own additional uniformed civilian police departments. Often referred to as the Department of Defense Police (DOD Police). Captain Allen was considered a DOD police officer. The DOD police duties are similar to those of local civilian police officers. Their job is to enforce the UCMJ, any state or federal laws, or additional regulations applicable to their base or installation.

During his career, Allen worked as a traffic section investigator. In 2003 he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to be a mid-shift supervisor. A year later, Allen took over the traffic department. He remained in that position until 2015 when he received a promotion as commander. His integrity and hard work continued to be noticed as he was quickly promoted to Captain. Captain Allen was accomplished as an officer. He held certifications or positions with accomplishments as SRT commander, traffic collision reconstructionist, radar instructor, SFST instructor, LEDT instructor, SRT command course, and an ARIDE certified and phase II DUI investigator.

Those Left to Grieve

Families worldwide are facing losses due to the pandemic. Captain Billy DeWayne Allen, Sr. leaves behind his wife and six children. The local community, friends, neighbors, and extended family will share in their grief.

The Florida Police Chief’s Association posted condolences on their Facebook page. “Please keep the family and the US Department of Defense – Fort Sill Police Department in your thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. Captain Billy Dewayne Allen, Sr. United States Department of Defense – Fort Sill Police Department, US Government. End of Watch, Sunday, December 6, 2020.”

Ten 7 Apparel posted their appreciation for Captain Allen. “Rest In Peace, Captain Billy Dewayne Allen, Sr., your sacrifice will never be forgotten.”