By Jerry Bell
Officer Billy Joe Allen, a member of the DeQuincy Police Department for several years, was laid to rest on Saturday, Oct. 2.
Allen served as a corrections officer for the PD and was a fully accredited Police Officer having graduated from the Calcasieu Parish Training Academy. He spent many years as a corrections officer and excelled at that job. Numerous first responders attended Allen’s homegoing and paid honor to him as he was one of them. Brother Mike Streams officiated the ceremony of his life and told several stories of how he knew Billy. Riley Smith & Sons conducted his funeral.
In an emotional talk, Chief Casey Whitehead, talked about Billy, how professional he was by always being on time and doing an outstanding job in what ever tasking that he was given. Chief Whitehead, often struggling with his words, stated that he never thought that he would have to talk at the funeral of one of his own.
Chief Whitehead spoke of how Billy volunteered to work the night shift and not be promoted just so that he could take care of his son. Chief Whitehead stated that he went to Billy’s graduation and that he saw how proud Billy was to have finished the academy. Chief Whitehead stated that Billy was admired by all the officers who knew him. Chief Whitehead stated that even the DOC Inmates were sad over the passing of Billy. Chief said that Billy always treated everybody fairly.
Chief Whitehead stated that Billy will surely be missed by his whole department and that he would always be in our hearts and minds. As the first responders passed by Billy, they gave him honors by saluting him.
After the ceremony, all the first responders, lined up by the hearse, and as Billy was carried through the line, all saluted. Billy was then escorted by numerous police vehicles and firetrucks as he was taken to the gravesite. As the procession crossed over the tracks, a detour was taken to Lake Charles Ave., where the hearse carrying Billy passed underneath the American flag that was put up in his honor.
Chief Whitehead personally thanked all the first responders for attending and making Billy’s homegoing as a first responder a respected event. Those responders were from various Police Departments, to include the City PD, the Sheriff’s office, the Constable, and others. Several former police officers who worked with Billy also attended.
Several fire departments sent trucks to be in the procession. The Fire Departments were from DeQuincy, Houston River, Vinton and Ward Six. Chief Whitehead wants all the attending First Responders to know that he is thankful for their attendance.
Officer Billy Joe Allen, 1971-2021, a true American and Patriot. Rest in Peace our dear brother in blue. You have done your duty and now you deserve your award. May God take you in his arms.
