Allen becomes SPD's first woman lieutenant

SANDUSKY — After serving with the U.S. Army, Dawn Allen found herself at a career crossroads.Luckily for her, she received a recommendation — bordering on an order — coming from a trusted ally she respects more than any drill sergeant."I was not sure what I was going to do when I got out of the military until my mother observed an article regarding the EHOVE Police Academy preparing for its next class," Allen said. "She suggested it, due to having family who were officers as well as my military background."So Allen pursued a law enforcement career, which officially began Aug. 1, 2002, when Sandusky police commanders hired her as a full-time officer.Fast-forward 16 years later, and Allen, one of the department's longest-tenured and most-respected officers, has now earned herself a recognition no other woman has achieved in Sandusky's 200-year history.Commanders recently promoted Allen from a sergeant to a lieutenant, making her the highest-ranking female to rise through Sandusky police's ranks.While Kim Nuesse previously served as police chief, from 2006 to 2008, she's categorized as an "outside hire," specifically appointed for that very position. Unlike Allen, Nuesse didn't start with Sandusky police, steadily climbing the workforce ladder.Sandusky police Chief John Orzech called Allen one of the most deserving people, no matter man or woman, for this position."Lt. Allen has worked extremely hard to further her career," Orzech said. "She has served the department very well in her time in her role as a sergeant."The two qualities Orzech admires most about Allen: her integrity and honesty."I trust her explicitly," Orzech said. "She takes command quickly and knows where her officers are at to ensure that they are safe. Lt. Allen has a genuine concern for her subordinates and to ensure that they are being held accountable."While a lieutenant generally supervises officers, don't expect Allen to sit behind a desk at police headquarters."She's a working supervisor, spending much of her time out on the road and leading by example," Orzech said.Added Allen: "Being a lieutenant means being responsible for the officers I am placed in charge of as well as the citizens of this city. We have a really great group of officers, which definitely makes the position much easier."To Allen, a promotion means people — from her son, Dominic, to other officers — can work toward a goal never happening before. More personally, she's proving herself to a pair of mentors, also considered local law enforcement trailblazers:• Sandusky police Sgt. Tracey Susana, the first woman to serve as a sergeant with the department• Bay View police Chief Helen Prosowski, the first woman to serve as an officer and detective with the department"I am proud of making the rank of lieutenant," Allen said. "I wanted to become a lieutenant, as I believe you should always strive to be the best you can."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Lt. Dawn Allen stands outside the Sandusky Police Department on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018.