Capt. Todd Allen took over as Merriam’s acting chief of police today.

Acting Chief Allen began his career with the Meriam Police Department in 1996 after graduating from the Johnson County Regional Police Academy. He rose the ranks over the past 23 years, serving as a captain for the previous five years before being named as the acting police chief.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the City of Merriam and its citizens in this new role,” acting Chief Allen said.

Chief Allen took over the reins from Chief of Police Michael Daniels, who’s retiring on April 1 after more than three decades with the Merriam Police Department.