Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Allen led as community servant

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, June 28, 2001 | 8:19 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at deskin@ lasvegassun.com.

"This card entitles the bearer to pass through all police lines for the purpose of obtaining news for the press."

How proud I was when Chief of Police George Allen handed me my press card from the Police Department of the City of Las Vegas.

I don't imagine it would get me past a crime scene today, but it worked back some 20 years ago.

George Allen died June 18 at the age of 85. He served our community as a law enforcement officer for 30 years, from 1946 until his retirement in 1976.

When it was decided that consolidation of the Las Vegas Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff's department was a good idea, Allen was the calm arbitrator who was able to bring all parties together.

Metro, today, is a tribute to men like George Allen and the late sheriff John Moran.

As a footnote: My sheriff's ID card was signed by Sheriff Glen Jones.

If anyone deserves induction into Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, it is Dr. Donald Romeo.

For years Doc was the ringside physician for all the big and not-so-big fights held in Las Vegas. As personal physician to some of the great boxers of the day, he traveled widely and became well known around the world as a premier ring doctor.

Many of us recall Doc in other ways. As patients we knew him as a doctor who was never too busy to spend time with us, even to the extent of an occasional house call.

His services to the youthful athletes of Southern Nevada are well documented. It was only his own fragile health that caused him to curtail his activities.

Doc Romeo is most deserving of the honor given him by the Nevada Sports Hall of Fame and we congratulate him most sincerely.

Someone should tape the good doctor as he reminisces about his life in Las Vegas.

What longtime resident could forget "Flower Drum Song?"

Recently the movie version of the musical, starring Jack Soo, was shown on TV. Soo was the star attraction when "Flower Drum Song" played at the old Thunderbird hotel. The show ran for quite some time and sold out most performances. Soo became a Las Vegas favorite. Later he had a starring role on the "Barney Miller" television show.

If you were around in those days, you might recall names like Cliff Jones, Hal Broudus, Barney Rawlings, Marion Hicks and others.

Those were the days, my friend.

Can it be that the Fourth of July is a few short days away? What ever happened to 2001?

Peggy Lloyd Larnin sent a note to remind us that a Fourth of July celebration will be held at Post 8 of the American Legion, 733 Veteran's Memorial Drive, from noon until 4 p.m. July 4.

There will be food, music, entertainment and a craft and rummage sale. Sounds like an old-fashioned celebration.

Yesterday you were a day younger than today. Tomorrow you will be a day older. If you are lucky, life will be a series of yesterdays, todays and tomorrows.