Patrolman John H. "Sonny" Allen

Patrolman John H.
Waldo Police Department, Arkansas
Patrolman John H. "Sonny" Allen

Waldo Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Friday, April 16, 1976

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John H. "Sonny" Allen

Patrolmen Sonny Allen and Steven Poetker were killed when their vehicle was struck by a train at an unguarded crossing near Waldo.

The two were returning from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden, Arkansas. They had just joined their department chief in a chase when the accident occurred. Patrolman Poetker had graduated from the academy at 1:00 pm, and the accident occurred shortly after 2:00 pm. The department only had three officers at the time of their deaths.

Patrolman Allen had served with the Waldo Police Department for one year.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 1 year
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Struck by train

train crash, vehicle pursuit

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Uncle you will never be forgotten. I was five years old when you passed and I will always remember you. God Bless.

Rev. Dr. James & LaToya Darrett

February 5, 2019

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