photo from LinkedIn.com

Mayor Ed Pawlowski today named Keith Morris interim chief of the Allentown Police Department.

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 has earned this opportunity,” said Pawlowski.  “In my interactions with him over nearly five full years now, I have learned that he is well equipped to run the Allentown Police Department.  He brings a wide breadth of department experience to the job.  The department will be in excellent hands.”

“I am both honored and excited for this amazing opportunity,” Chief Morris said.  “The men and women of the Allentown Police Department are dedicated professionals, and I am proud to work with each and every one of them.  I look forward to collaborating with both our officers and our community members to provide the City of Allentown with the most professional police service possible.”

Chief Morris holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from DeSales University.  He is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the US Department of Justice FBI National Academy.

Chief Morris replaces Chief Joel Fitzgerald, who is leaving Allentown to become chief of police in Fort Worth, Texas.  Chief Fitzgerald’s resignation is effective October 18.

A formal swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled.

 

Information provided by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

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