Department: Missoula County Sheriff
Rank: Sergeant
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 9 years
End of Watch: Thursday, Dec 6, 1984
Cause of Death: Gunfire
On December 6, 1984, Missoula County Deputy Sheiff Sergeant Allen Leslie Kimery was shot and killed when he pulled over a vehicle for stealing $11 worth of gas.
Sgt. Kimery had pulled over a black Chevy Monte Carlo for driving off without paying for $11 worth of gas from the Super America Station on Brooks Street. Although he reported the traffic stop to Dispatch, Kimery did not receive the message that the car had been stolen in time. The driver of the vehicle, Fred Van Dyke AKA Joshua Garrity, shot Allen Kimery in the chest as he approached the driver's side window.
Even though mortally wounded, Kimery was able to return fire. One of his six shots grazed Van Dyke's shoulder. Kimery then staggered back to his car and collapsed. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes and rushed Kimery to the hospital. He was unable to recover from his injuries and tragically died shortly thereafter.
Kimery was known as a careful and energetic officer who was held in high esteem by his colleagues. He was considered to be both strong and sensitive, boosting the morale for fellow officers whose job required them to deal with high stress on a daily basis. Kimery earned more than half a dozen commendations during his career in law enforcement. A hero in every sense of the word, Allen Kimery gave his life in order to keep the peace and protect the citizens of Missoula County.
Kimery was survived by Jo, his wife, along with his daughter Kristina and son Mathew.