FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2024) -- Attorney General Russell Coleman announced his appointment of Darren “Foot” Allen to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Allen will represent the law enforcement community on the Commission tasked with distributing the Commonwealth’s share of approximately $900 million collected from opioid settlements.
“Foot has spent a career taking on the drug crisis, and I’m grateful he’s agreed to contribute his extensive experience to making communities whole,” said General Coleman. “Working alongside the Commission’s new executive director, Chris Evans, I have full confidence that this career lawman will play a key role in strengthening prevention, treatment and enforcement initiatives across Kentucky.”
Allen brings nearly three decades of experience in law enforcement and counter drug operations to the Commission. He currently serves as a court security manager with Kentucky's Administrative Office of the Courts. Allen retired as a Master Trooper from the Kentucky State Police, where he investigated illegal drug trafficking throughout the Commonwealth. He also was selected by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to instruct investigative techniques to agencies throughout the country.
Allen later joined Operation UNITE to teach middle schoolers about the dangers of opioid use, with a focus on prevention.
“Ending the addiction crisis requires effective collaboration. I appreciate Attorney General Coleman for this opportunity to advance prevention, treatment and enforcement and keep families in the Commonwealth safe,” said Allen.
So far, the Commission has awarded more than $32 million to opioid-related projects throughout the Commonwealth.
The Commission is currently accepting grant funding applications for this year. Kentucky organizations and programs focused on opioid prevention, treatment and recovery are invited to apply online by March 31.
Visit Attorney General Coleman’s website for more information on the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission.