Friday, December 7 2012 9:53 AM EST2012-12-07 14:53:54 GMT
FOX 2's Jason Carr went over to Henry the Hatter, the popular Southfield store, and borrowed a few of Al's signature black leather caps for a special tribute to our colleague.
FOX 2's Jason Carr went over to Henry the Hatter, the popular Southfield store, and borrowed a few of Al's signature black leather caps for a special tribute to our colleague.
By Amy Andrews FOX 2 News
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- On the best mornings and the worst mornings, Al Allen has been there to make sure we knew what was going on in our neighborhoods. His voice is a warm, familiar blanket to comfort us through the ups and downs in the city.
Now, it's his turn to sleep in. After 28 years at WJBK, Al will retire after one last morning of reporting Friday.
"Life in Detroit without Al Allen is like Detroit without our spirit statue," said Detroit City Council President and former FOX 2 colleague Charles Pugh. "It's like Detroit without the Renaissance (Center)."
"Kids, middle-aged folks, old folks love Al Allen," said Vickie Thomas, a report for WWJ Newsradio 950.
There's no one Earth with the same laugh; the same wealth of knowledge; the same presence; the same hats.
When I came to FOX 2 in 2011 to join the morning team, I had no idea just how amazing Al is, nor that he is really part machine. He's been in the new business since 1969, a remarkable feat in itself. But what's truly incredible? Al never complains, calls in sick or misses a deadline. And, he's never met an overpass he couldn't handle. "The guy's just a true professional," said Rob Morosi, spokesman for MDOT.
When you've been at this game for more than four decades, you learn a whole about a city. You know the people like the back of your hand. You know who to call when it 'hits the fan,' and most importantly, you know exactly where to go, when you have to go.
Even one of the hardest working reporters in the business needs a break once in a while. Al spent most of those breaks at downtown gas station where he'd grab a coffee, his peanuts and brightened the days of those people who were lucky enough to run into him. "He's one of the most pleasant guys I've ever met," said Detroit resident Kris Chandoo.
Our hearts are heavy at the thought of waking up without him, but delighted with images of him still snoring well past 7 a.m.
"How on Earth are you guys going to replace Al Allen?" I've heard that question numerous times since Al announced his retirement in October.
The truth is: you simply can't.
Stay with FOX 2 News Morning Friday for special tributes to Al. You can join in as well on Facebook and Twitter. Use hashtag #weloveal and send your tweets to @FOX2News.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:19:24 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:27:33 GMT
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:25:11 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Friday, December 7 2012 9:43 AM EST2012-12-07 14:43:41 GMT
Viewers have been waking up to Al Allen for nearly 30 years here at WJBK. On Friday, Al will call it quits, retiring after 40-plus years in the news business.
Viewers have been waking up to Al Allen for nearly 30 years here at WJBK. On Friday, Al will call it quits, retiring after 40-plus years in the news business.
Monday, November 26 2012 6:30 PM EST2012-11-26 23:30:54 GMT
A building that used to house a flea market in southwest Detroit is now an empty shell after a fire gutted the place Monday morning. It's not clear yet how that fire started.
A building that used to house a flea market in southwest Detroit is now an empty shell after a fire gutted the place Monday morning. It's not clear yet how that fire started.
Wednesday, November 21 2012 11:10 AM EST2012-11-21 16:10:45 GMT
Travelers are crossing Michigan to their holiday travel destinations. AAA Michigan estimates that more than 1.3 million state residents will travel 50 miles or more during this year's Thanksgiving period.
Travelers are crossing Michigan to their holiday travel destinations. AAA Michigan estimates that more than 1.3 million state residents will travel 50 miles or more during this year's Thanksgiving period.
Tuesday, November 20 2012 11:34 AM EST2012-11-20 16:34:58 GMT
On the eve of one of the busiest times for holiday travel the Transportation Security Administration is helping to remind passengers about the latest security measures now in place.
On the eve of one of the busiest times for holiday travel the Transportation Security Administration is helping to remind passengers about the latest security measures now in place.
Thursday, November 8 2012 7:19 AM EST2012-11-08 12:19:24 GMT
Crews in downtown Detroit put the finishing touches on the world's largest red kettle Thursday morning as the Salvation Army prepares to launch its annual Red Kettle Campaign.
Crews in downtown Detroit put the finishing touches on the world's largest red kettle Thursday morning as the Salvation Army prepares to launch its annual Red Kettle Campaign.
Friday, November 2 2012 7:13 PM EDT2012-11-02 23:13:23 GMT
A teen is dead and three other teens are seriously hurt after a crash Friday morning on Detroit's east side. Police say the 15-year-old driver was going about 100 miles an hour when he lost control and hit a tree.
A teenager is dead and three other teens are seriously hurt after a crash Friday morning on Detroit's east side. Police say the 15-year-old driver was going about 100 miles an hour when he lost control and hit a tree. We're told the teens were joy-riding in a stolen car.
Friday, November 2 2012 7:23 AM EDT2012-11-02 11:23:14 GMT
The Detroit News reports Quicken Loans Inc.'s Dan Gilbert and his partners plan to begin construction this month on a five-story parking and retail development in downtown Detroit.
The Detroit News reports Quicken Loans Inc.'s Dan Gilbert and his partners plan to begin construction this month on a five-story parking and retail development in downtown Detroit.
