'Better Late Than Never': Retired Reserve Officer Cited for Meritorious Service

From left, Dearborn Police Reserve Officer Keith Redlin, Chief Ronald Haddad, retired reserve officer Allen Konkel, Sgt. David Marshall and Lt. Douglas Topolski pose at a ceremony honoring Konkel for 24 years service to the reserve program. (Photo submitted)

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A veteran police reserve officer with almost a quarter of a century of service to the city was recognized by Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad last week.

“It’s better late than never,” Haddad said at a special ceremony Friday recognizing 75-year-old Allen Konkel for a distinguished record of service to the Dearborn Police Reserve Program.

Haddad met Konkel for the first time recently at a neighborhood meeting. He was impressed by what he heard about Konkel’s dedication and service, which started before police officers were equipped with technological and other tools today’s law enforcement officers take for granted.

Konkel was sworn in as a police reserve officer on Dec. 11, 1968.

“President Lyndon B. Johnson was in the White House and the world would not know of many current innovations in law enforcement which we now take for granted until decades later,” Haddad said. “Things like in-car computers, smart phones, Tasers, NIXLE and other technological breakthroughs that must have seemed like ‘Buck Rogers’ technology when Allen began serving his community with the Dearborn Police Reserve Program.”

Konkel retired from police service in 1992 after 24 years of service to the citizens of Dearborn and neighboring communities He received numerous commendations from a list of Dearborn police chiefs and mayors dating back to 1973, Hadded said.

His service was not limited to his hometown, and included 31 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve, from which he retired with an honorable discharge.”

“Mr. Konkel epitomizes the ideal of selfless service and dedication and it gives me great pleasure to recognize his long history of service,” Haddad said. “The Dearborn Police Reserve Program is a great way for anyone to provide volunteer contributions to our community. “

Individuals interested in joining the reserve program should contact the police department’s Training Bureau at (313) 943-2213.

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