[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REGARDING THE DEATH OF PROVIDENCE POLICE DETECTIVE JAMES L. ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2005

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to 
express my deepest sympathy and condolences to Mayor Cicilline, Chief 
Esserman, the entire Providence Police Department, the friends and the 
family of Detective James L. Allen, a 27-year veteran of the police 
force in Providence, Rhode Island who was tragically killed early 
Sunday morning inside his own police station. I want to honor this 
heroic man by sharing his story with fellow Members of Congress and the 
nation.
  Detective Allen embodied the great courage and dedication of those 
who risk their lives in order to protect others. His was known by his 
colleagues as being exceptionally talented in remembering names, faces 
and dates--so much so that they endearingly referred to him as 
``Rainman'' in the department. He was also known as an extremely hard 
worker who never sought the limelight for himself, despite the fact 
that he handled high-profile cases and acted heroically on many 
occasions during his over two decade-long performance of duty. In 1987, 
Detective Allen ran through a burning tenement house and evacuated 
several people who were sleeping inside. In 1989, he received a 
``Chiefs Award'' for an outstanding act in the performance of duty. On 
this past Saturday night, he was once again going above and beyond the 
call of duty by returning to the police station after enjoying dinner 
with his family in order to ``pull out all the stops'' in the 
investigation of a vicious crime which had occurred earlier in the day.
  He was clearly very proud of following in the footsteps of his 
father, retired Providence Police Captain Lloyd Allen. Out of a force 
of 500 officers, Detective Allen was one of the 20 longest-serving. 
Sadly, he is the third Providence police officer killed on the job 
since 1994. Incidents such as this one remind us of the daily sacrifice 
and risk endured by members of our law enforcement communities, who 
deserve the utmost appreciation from all of us. Detective Allen leaves 
his wife, Marguerite, and two daughters, Jennifer, 15 and Caitlin, 14, 
behind. Although his life ended abruptly in great tragedy, his legacy 
of selflessness, kindness, and service to his community will continue 
on.

                          ____________________