Investigation underway after I-Team finds Millbrae police chief allegedly commuting from Idaho
2025 年 10 月 29 日
Millbrae Police Chief Faces Investigation Over Commuting and On-Duty Lodging
MILLBRAE, Calif. (KGO) — Mayor of Millbrae Anders Fung expressed his concerns to the ABC7 I-Team, stating, “It’s just, you know, there’s a lot of information here that is disturbing.” He is calling for a thorough investigation into Millbrae Police Chief Eamonn Allen, who reportedly lives in Idaho and slept in the police station during the workweek — a fact uncovered by the I-Team’s investigation.
This unusual situation has raised many questions and sparked tense exchanges at the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meeting. Once again, I-Team reporter Dan Noyes gave Chief Allen the opportunity to respond in person, but the chief remained silent.
“Yeah, and that needs to be proven,” Mayor Fung said. “I still need to be able to get the facts of those allegations. And, you know, I have not heard from the chief, so that’s important.”
Millbrae Police Chief’s Commute and On-Duty Lodging Under Scrutiny
Despite five days having passed since the initial report, Chief Allen was present during the City Council’s public comment period. Shortly after, he left, and the I-Team caught up with him at the police station’s front door.
When asked if he had found a place to stay other than the police station and if he had any comments about the report, Chief Allen did not provide a response.
Beyond concerns about using taxpayer-funded facilities for personal accommodation, the situation raises larger questions about a first responder who potentially faces a 646-mile commute or a 1.35-hour flight to work.
Richard Correia, former SFPD Commander, weighed in, saying, “Not able to return to work on short notice in the event of an emergency is ridiculous.”
It’s important to note that the City of Millbrae contracts with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services. Eamonn Allen serves as Millbrae police chief while also holding the rank of sheriff’s captain.
Tensions at San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Last night’s Board of Supervisors meeting saw rising tensions surrounding the controversy. Supervisor Noelia Corzo addressed the issue directly, stating, “I’m going to clarify something that I wish, frankly, our board president would have when he spoke to the press.”
Corzo criticized Board President David Canepa for his comments expressing concern about the chief’s out-of-state residency and lodging arrangements. Canepa had remarked, “If someone is living out of county or out of state, they have to pay for their own lodging, meaning San Mateo County is not a Holiday Inn.”
Corzo countered by pointing out, “I want to make sure the public knows that it is actually very common practice for most law enforcement agencies, including ours, to have sleeping quarters available to their staff.”
Canepa clarified his stance, explaining he has no issue with deputies who work night shifts and need to rest before court appearances. However, he questioned the policy around sheriff’s employees residing out of state who stay in county facilities during the workweek at taxpayer expense.
Speaking to Corzo, Canepa said, “If you don’t believe looking into something like this is in good policy, I don’t know what to tell you.”
The discussion grew heated, with Supervisor Ray Mueller stepping in to restore order:
“Alright. Okay. Order! Yes. Done, guys. Point of order, please.”
Board President David Canepa: “So, I think I’ve made my point very clear.”
Supervisor Ray Mueller: “You guys have both made your points.”
Canepa: “Mr. Mueller. I’m chairing the meeting respectfully.”
Mueller: “Please, chair and then chair it now.”
Canepa: “Thank you. Respectfully. Thank you.”
Key Questions Remain Unanswered
Notably, Supervisor Corzo did not address one of the most critical issues: how first responders can quickly respond to catastrophic events such as mass shootings or earthquakes if they live out-of-state, hundreds of miles away.
Investigations into this matter are ongoing at both the city and county levels.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.