Joseph Ostapiuk
Staten Island Advance, N.Y.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — NYPD Chief of Transportation William Morris, a veteran of the department for nearly four decades, died Saturday as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said.
“It saddens me to inform you that, after nearly 39 yrs of service to the people of NYC, Chief of Transportation William T. Morris passed away on Saturday from #COVID19,” Shea wrote on Twitter. “The condolences & prayers of the entire department are with Billy & his loved ones during this difficult time.”
https://twitter.com/NYPDDetectives/status/1269926280494903297
A Daily News report indicated Morris, 61, died after being hospitalized with the virus for a month and a half.
“NYC was a much different place in 1981 when Chief Billy Morris came on the Job,” wrote NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan. “He was always proud to work alongside the greatest men & women in law enforcement to help turn around our city — that’s his legacy. We are all grateful to Billy for his service. Rest In Peace, friend.”
Former NYPD borough commander Ed Delatorre, who is currently the NYPD’s Transit Bureau chief, previously tested positive for the virus but has since recovered.
Morris is the highest ranking member of the department to die of the virus.
©2020 Staten Island Advance, N.Y.