Beckham County Sheriff ’s Office Deputy Aaron Allen has worked for the department since March 2014. He takes his dedication to his fellow law enforcement officers and the citizens of Beckham County seriously.
In fact, his wife Zach says it is challenging to get Allen to take a sick day unless he knows he is contagious. The couple have that in common, having met through their shared work with the BCSO. As the communications captain, she hears the distressing calls that her husband and fellow deputies answer.
At times, the startled voice on the other end of the call may be phoning in a vehicle collision or a domestic assault.
Other times, it may be spotting a dangerous fugitive.
Still, Allen and his fellow officers show up, a principle he learned serving in the military.
Allen said, “Military and law enforcement have always been my calling. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. The ability to make an impact and help people makes law enforcement an amazing career. Having a military background helped me mature faster than most, and the ability to mentally and physically keep up with the demanding nature of law enforcement can be. I have worked at Beckham County since March of 2014. I achieved my goal of becoming a K9 handler four years ago. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for sure, but it has also been very satisfying to be in a job where I can serve my community and be part of a small percentage of people that take a stand against the evil in this world.” Allen grew up in Cordell with an “overwhelming sense of wanting to serve my country.”
“I had always wanted to join the military in some form or fashion. I enlisted my senior year in high school and shipped out to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for basic training after I graduated,” Allen recounted.
Allen officially joined the military in 2010 and served twelve years, ending his military career in 2022.
“I went to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for basic training and then to Fort Leonard Wood for my advanced individual training (AIT). After training, I was assigned to the 120th Forward Support Company out of Fort Sill, OK. My job there was, in short, a truck driver. I didn’t do anything special. My company supported the 158 Artillery Battery by hauling their rockets to wherever they needed them, setting up ammo supply points, and anything else they needed to complete their mission. I had the opportunity to compete in a governor’s 20 shooting competition, where I did come up short in the rifle competition. Still, I did receive a sharpshooter pistol badge during the pistol competition. I enjoyed my time in the military, but after 12 years, I felt it was time to hang up my uniform and focus on my law enforcement career,” Allen explained.
The BCSO annually participates in Veteran’s Day events.
For Allen, the participation is an honor. He hopes it helps civilians appreciate the American military, past and present.
“My favorite quote is, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing,’” Allen added.
It is a motto he learned in the military but utilizes daily when working with the BCSO.
