By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Allen Needham, the former police chief of Montevallo, died on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the age of 91.

The Montevallo Police Department released a statement on Needham’s passing.

“With great sadness, we announce the passing of former Chief Allen Needham,” a statement read on the Montevallo Police Department Facebook page. “Chief Needham dedicated himself to the city of Montevallo from 1981 to 1998, serving with pride and commitment. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and valued his significant contributions to our community.”

Needham was a native of Cullman before joining the U.S. Navy with his brother, JC Needham. The brothers served in the Korean War, and were honorably discharged. Following his service in the war, Allen attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned a bachelor of science in criminal justice.

Needham served for 26 years at the Birmingham Police Department, where he spearheaded the Birmingham Tactical Operations Unit Program. He retired from the force as a lieutenant and became Montevallo’s chief of police in 1981.

Throughout his storied career in law enforcement, Needham served on the Bomb Squad of the Birmingham Police Department, served as security protection for visiting foreign dignitaries and attended multiple training programs across the country from both the FBI Academy and the New York Police Department.

Outside of his work, Needham was an avid horse trainer and shower, as well as a fan of various water sports. After retiring from law enforcement, Needham started an Angus cattle farm in Cullman County.

Services were held for Needham on Friday, Feb. 14 at Rockco Funeral Home in Montevallo. Visitation began at 8:30 a.m. while the funeral service began at 9:30 a.m. A committal service at Alabama National Cemetery followed at 11 a.m.