BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — John R. Allen, chief of the Melvindale Police Department, has been named Ferris State University’s new Department of Public Safety director.
Vice President for Administration and Finance Jim Bachmeier announced the appointment officially on Tuesday.
Before serving as chief of the Melvindale Police Department since 2016, Allen served in the department as a road patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant and detective lieutenant.
“We are confident that his experience will translate well to a university setting as a police chief,” Bachmeier said. “We are confident that his experience will translate well to a university setting as a police chief. We look forward to the great work John will do building relationships on and off our campus while working with the outstanding partners we have in law enforcement.”
Allen earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Schoolcraft College, in Livonia, in 1995, a bachelor of applied science in public safety administration from Siena Heights University, in Adrian, in 2014, and a master’s degree in public safety administration from Eastern Michigan University, in Ypsilanti, in 2015.
“I’m very honored and humbled to have been chosen to be part of the Ferris State University team,” Allen said. “I am very excited to begin building relationships and gaining trust within the Bulldog community, as well as the Big Rapids and Mecosta County area.”
Allen will begin his duties as director on March 1.
