Olympia honors Police Chief Rich Allen as he retires after 40 years of public service

Olympia city leaders honored Police Chief Rich Allen at the start of a council meeting as he retires after 40 years of public service, including 31 years with the Olympia Police Department and four years as the city’s police chief.

Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan opened the recognition, saying Allen “embraced working with a newly created police auditor, a community work group on reimagining public safety, and the social justice and equity commission” and credited him with helping the department implement a comprehensive department analysis, transition to a new jail, and a body-worn camera program.

Allen, appearing at the podium, emphasized the department’s teamwork. “Everything that she mentioned was absolutely a team effort. I didn't do it by myself,” he said, and thanked the department for its professionalism and service. He noted he was hired as a cadet in 1989 and that policing in Olympia “is not easy” but expressed pride in the department’s work.

Council members and staff offered personal remarks. Council Member Cooper said Allen helped “stabilize the department” during a difficult period and said the community appears to be proud of the department’s work. Mayor Pro Tem Nguyen praised Allen’s humility and openness to community questions, and Council Member Gilman credited him with maintaining a long tradition of community-oriented policing. Public Works Director Mark Russell presented Allen a customary street-name sign recognizing his years of service.

Council and staff repeatedly thanked Allen for his leadership, particularly during periods of heightened public scrutiny following the COVID-19 pandemic and the national conversation on policing. Allen told the council he is “leaving you in great hands” with incoming leadership and that he plans to remain local.

The ceremonial recognition concluded with a brief photo and presentation on the dais.