Abdallah to Head Law Enforcement Coordination

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota attorney general's office has hired a former state legislator and retired lawman to help coordinate training efforts between state, local and federal law enforcement agencies in the state.

The Associated Press reports that 76-year-old Gene Abdallah served in the Legislature 13 years. He also was a former superintendent of the state Highway Patrol.

Abdallah will lead efforts to coordinate training among the various law enforcement agencies. Such training has been occurring for decades, but it had been coordinated through the U.S. attorney's office.

U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson says the person who had been overseeing those duties retired and federal budget cuts prevented hiring a replacement.

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