Lacey Allen on patrol: The first female patrol deputy in Bannock County in a decade

When Lacey Allen began her first patrol as a deputy of the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, she became the first woman in that position in a decade.

Allen spent several years working to get into this position, working patrol post in 2017 and detention in 2018, but she hadn’t always planned on a career in law enforcement.

Allen was working as an accountant when she realized that she wanted to make a change.

“I had a friend and her husband was an officer and he had great stories and some really touching stories that I was drawn too,” she said.

Now working with a badge and gun, Allen’s workday is a change of pace from her norm.

“I get to be in the action, I get to do the fun stuff,” she explained. “It’s way better.”

Knowing how long it’s been since another woman was in her position, Allen believes she has big shoes to fill.

“I’ve gotta be tough and prove that I deserve to be here,” Allen said, explaining that she doesn’t believe it will be too tough due to the assistance of those around her.

Allen hopes that her actions inspire other women to join the force.

“We definitely need females in the department and I’d love to have some more,” she added.