El Paso police Chief Greg Allen has died. Here's how city leaders reacted to his death.

Longtime El Paso police Chief Greg Allen has died after nearly 15 years at the department

Allen's death was announced Tuesday afternoon by the city of El Paso. A cause of death was not disclosed.

He was appointed the first African American police chief in El Paso in March 2008 after previously serving as interim chief following the retirement of former Chief Richard Wiles.

In 1978, Allen joined the El Paso Police Department, starting off patrolling Central and the West Side. Throughout the decades, he moved up to deputy chief in charge of the Central and Pebble Hills regional command centers.

Here's what city leaders had to say following the death of the El Paso police chief:

Mayor Oscar Leeser: We lost a great leader

"We lost a great leader today," El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said in a statement. "El Paso Chief of Police Greg Allen was not only an incredible Chief of Police, but he was an incredible son, husband, father, and friend.

"He earned the respect of every officer on his force, and I was proud to call him my friend. He will be greatly missed, and the City of El Paso will be forever indebted to him for his leadership. Our heart goes out to his wife Rosanne and his entire family at this difficult and painful time. He was an esteemed member of our City family and we mourn alongside them.”

Remembering El Paso police chief:Greg Allen dies after leading department for nearly 15 years

City of El Paso tweets about Police Chief Greg Allen

City of El Paso tweeted Tuesday afternoon, "The City of El Paso is saddened to report the death of longtime Police Chief Greg Allen.

"Chief Allen joined the City of El Paso in 1978 and was named Chief of Police in March 2008.

"End of Watch January 17, 2023."

El Paso Fire Department: May you rest in peace, Sir.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the family and friends of Chief Allen and with our brothers and sisters of the El Paso Police Department.

"Thank you for dedicating your life to our community and for so many years of wisdom and camaraderie. May you rest in peace, Sir."

City Manager Tommy Gonzalez: Heartbreaking for us

“This is a terrible loss for Chief Allen’s family, and it is heartbreaking for us, his City family as he meant so much to our organization and to our community. “We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Roseanne, and his entire family.”

FBI El Paso: Chief Greg Allen fought for the City of El Paso

FBI El Paso tweeted the following statement Tuesday evening, "FBI El Paso is saddened to hear of the passing of @EPPOLICE Chief Gregory Allen. Chief Allen fought for the City of El Paso and made it one of the safest cities in the nation. We want to send our condolences to his family and the men and women of #EPPD."

El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles: Lost a dear friend

"While the El Paso Police Department and the citizens of El Paso lost their beloved Chief of Police, I also lost a dear friend.  I met Greg Allen early in my career and later appointed him as a Deputy Chief because of his unwavering support of the patrol officers who worked in the field; this support continuing during his time as Chief of Police.  Greg was a strong believer in law and order and held steadfast to his commitment of holding criminals accountable.

"I could go on and on about Greg's accomplishments and recognitions, but the thing I will miss most about him is our long phone conversations in which we were able to vent to one another.  Today we lost a dedicated public servant, and friend to many, who gave over 44 years of his life to the service of his community.  I will miss you, Greg.  On behalf of all the men and women of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, I send our sincerest condolences to his wife, Rosanne, his family and friends, and every member of the El Paso Police Department."

Homeland Security Investigations El Paso: Police chief was valued law enforcement partner, true leader and friend

"HSI El Paso is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Police Chief Greg Allen," Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola said in a statement. "We express our heartfelt condolences to the El Paso Police Department. Chief Allen was a valued law enforcement partner, true leader and friend.

"Chief Allen partnered with HSI El Paso throughout the years in our agencies’ shared mission of making El Paso the safest city in America. Gone too soon. HSI El Paso will always cherish his memory, and be indebted for his service to our great city.

"Our heart goes out to his wife, Rosanne, and his entire family during this difficult time. They remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

State Sen. César Blanco: Dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten

"I am saddened to hear about the passing of El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen, State Sen. César Blanco said in a tweet Tuesday. "Throughout 40 years of service to the El Paso Police Department, Chief Allen gave his life to protecting and serving our community - and for that, his dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

"His family and friends are in my prayers."

Former El Paso Mayor Dee Margo: a phenomenal leader with character

"Chief Allen was a phenomenal leader with character. The integrity of our police force is an embodiment of his leadership throughout all these years, and I know firsthand how much the force adored and respected him.

"Adair and I are sending our most heartfelt condolences and prayers on this great loss for his family, the police force@EPPOLICE, and city of El Paso."

El Paso city council responds to Chief Greg Allen's death

Three members of the El Paso city council issued statements following Greg Allen's death.

Rep. Cassandra Hernandez tweeted a photo of her family with the police chief and said the following, "Police Chief Greg Allen’s passing is an immense loss for the city and our police department. Generations of police officers and staff have been guided by Chief Allen’s leadership; our hearts go out to them.

"Thank you Chief Gregory Allen, may you rest in peace."

Rep. Joe Molinar issued his deepest sympathies to the Allen family and said the chief was a great mentor and friend.

Rep. Isabel Salcido tweeted the following, "We have lost a great leader today. Chief Greg Allen dedicated over 40 years of great service to the City of El Paso. My heart and prayers go out to his wife Roseanne, his family and all the members of our El Paso Police Department."

Houston fire chief responds to Greg Allen's death

Houston fire Chief Samuel Peña issued the following statement on Twitter, "Saddened by the passing of my friend,@EPPOLICE Chief Greg Allen. This is a tremendous loss to the community of @ElPasoTXGov. My heart and condolences goes out to his wife, family & the men&women of the EPPD who had the honor of knowing and working with him. You will be missed🙏🏽"

Border Patrol Sector Chief Gloria Chavez responds to El Paso police chief's death

Gloria Chavez, the former chief of the Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector issued the following statement, "My deepest condolences to family, friends, & workforce of El Paso Police Dept. Police Chief Greg Allen was my friend, exceptional leader & colleague. May he rest in peace ✝️. On behalf of the men & women of the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol we send our sympathies. Adios Amigo. 🙏🏼"

Daniel Borunda contributed to this report

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Greg Allen El Paso police chief has died; here's the city reaction