Chief Keith Morris is retiring from the Allentown Police Department and has accepted a conditional offer to be chief of the Penn State University department.
Morris was sworn-in as interim chief in October 2016 replacing Chief Joel Fitzgerald, who was appointed chief of police in Fort Worth, Texas. City Council confirmed Morris as permanent chief last fall.
Chief Morris joined the department in 1997 and rose through the ranks before being promoted to Assistant Chief in December 2013. Morris was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in May 2007. He accepted the position of Assistant Hostage Negotiation Team Commander in December 2007. Morris assumed command of the Youth Division in December 2007. He was promoted to captain in January 2011 and began heading-up CID in September 2013. In 2013, Morris was named commander of the Hostage Negotiation Team and Director of Training of the Gerald M. Monahan Sr. Police Academy.
“Keith had a huge impact in leading the department both internally and externally,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski. “He continued to improve the crime rate in the city. He increased the visibility of the department and worked enthusiastically to cement the relationship between the department and the community.”
Morris said, “I would like to thank Mayor Pawlowski for the opportunity that he afforded me, and the confidence he had in me to be able to lead this great department. The City of Allentown and the Allentown Police Department have been a large part of my life over the last 20-years, and therefore this was not a decision that was made lightly. During my time here I have worked with many dedicated individuals and made professional contacts, but most importantly made lifelong friendships. I believe that we worked hard towards solidifying relationships with our community, I am proud of every member of the Allentown Police Department and the dedication that show each and every day in the face of adversity.”
Chief Morris’ retirement is effective April 21.
DORNEY APPOINTED INTERIM CHIEF OF POLICE
Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski today appointed Glen Dorney interim police chief.
Dorney succeeds Chief Keith Morris who is retiring from the city and has accepted a conditional offer to be the police chief at Penn State University.
Dorney joined the department in 1997. He was promoted to sergeant in November 2005 and lieutenant in January 2010. Dorney was promoted to captain in September 2012 and has served as assistant chief in the department under Morris.
“I have known Glen as a member of the command staff for over four years,” Pawlowski said. “He is a decorated officer and has vast experience as a leader, including shift commander, Emergency Response Team Commander, PSA captain and instructor at the Allentown Police Academy. As assistant chief in charge of operations, Glen works with all levels of the department on a daily basis.”
Dorney has been honored with four department commendations for bravery, one for heroism and three for merit.
“I want to start by thanking Mayor Pawlowski for putting trust in my abilities and affording me this opportunity,” said Dorney. “This appointment is bittersweet. I’m very happy for Chief Morris, yet sad to see him leave the department. I wish him the best of luck in his next career. It is truly an honor to be put in this position to lead the men and women of the Allentown Police Department. I pledge to the officers on this Department and members of the community that I will work diligently to continue the positive direction of the Allentown Police Department. We have come a long way as a Department over the years, thanks to strong leadership, but we still have opportunities to grow in a positive direction. I plan on promoting that growth by emphasizing integrity throughout my time as Chief of Police.”
Dorney holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science from Penn State University. He is a 2012 graduate of the FBI National Academy and will be attending a three week Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University this June.
Dorney will earn the budgeted salary of $123,162 in his new position.
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
