ALLEN, Texas — Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey announced on Tuesday morning that he will be retiring at the start of February next year.
Harvey has served as chief for the past 12 years, first sworn into office on Feb. 7, 2012. His retirement will take effect on Feb. 1.
“It has been my privilege to serve this great community and the fine men and women of the Allen Police Department," Harvey said in a statement.
The Allen Police Department deployed several new technologies under Harvey's leadership to help them with investigation and reporting. Harvey also increased the department's community outreach and transparency while implementing new recruitment initiatives and expanding mental health training and the school resource officer program.
“We have been fortunate to have Chief Harvey’s stable leadership and strategic guidance over the continued growth of the police department for more than a decade,” said Allen City Manager Eric Ellwanger in a statement.
Harvey also helped facilitate two bond-funded projects, including a partnership with Collin College for a police firearms training center, passed in the 2016 bond election.
“It’s difficult to summarize all the accomplishments of the Chief’s tenure with Allen," Ellwanger stated further. "What really speaks volumes about his leadership are the relationships he has built within the organization, the community and our region that have positioned Allen to be connected and ready to respond to any threat that might occur. That was never more evident than on May 6 and the weeks that followed.”
Harvey said he was extremely proud of the bravery of his responding officers who saved lives during the Allen Mall shooting on May 6.
Steve Dye will take over as police chief following Harvey's retirement. Dye recently retired as Grand Prairie's city manager, and had served as that city's police chief from 2011 to 2020.
“We are fortunate to have another seasoned veteran step into this critical leadership role and continue to build upon the great police department Chief Harvey will leave behind," Ellwanger said.