Keith Morris was sworn-in this morning as Allentown’s interim Chief of Police. The oath of office was administered by Mayor Ed Pawlowski before a standing room only crowd in City Council Chambers.

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 been a great assistant chief,” said Pawlowski. “He has compiled a fine record at every position he has held through 18 years in the department. He is well prepared to handle the responsibility.”

“I want to thank Mayor Pawlowski for the opportunity to lead such an outstanding police organization,” Morris said. “The men and women of the Allentown Police Department work tirelessly to protect and serve our community each and every day. I look forward to meeting with residents, building upon the positive relationship that we have developed in our community, and providing 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 has been appointed chief of police in Fort Worth, Texas.

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