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NYPD Transportation Chief William Morris Dies From Coronavirus

Chief of Transportation William Morris passed away after a months long battle with COVID-19, according to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.

Chief of Transportation William Morris passed away after a months long battle with COVID-19, according to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.
Chief of Transportation William Morris passed away after a months long battle with COVID-19, according to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea. (NYPD | Twitter)

NEW YORK CITY — The NYPD's Chief of Transportation William Morris died from novel coronavirus, Commissioner Dermot Shea announced Sunday. Morris was 61.

"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," Shea tweeted.

"The condolences & prayers of the entire department are with Billy & his loved ones during this difficult time."

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Morris is among 45 NYPD workers — school safety agents, detectives, traffic agents and custodians, among others — to die from the virus, according to police.

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A photo montage, tweeted by Shea in tribute, shows viewers their names and faces as "Amazing Grace" plays.

The Transportation Chief first became sick with COVID-19 in April, when the virus's spread was it it's peak, according to the New York Post.

Morris's career with the NYPD began in 1981 and included stints commanding several Queens precincts before his appointment of Commander of Queens South in 2010, according to the Queens Courier.

“The greatest things have been the opportunity to make a difference," Morris said at the time. "And the opportunity to accept every challenge for which the Police Department has selected me."

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