Two Morris police officers appointed to deputy chief positions

MORRIS – At Monday’s Morris City Council meeting, Mayor Chris Brown appointed two Morris police officers as deputy chiefs. Deputy Chief Chad Skelton was appointed as deputy chief of patrol, and Detective Paul Burke was appointed as deputy chief of investigations.

“Chief Deputy Skelton recently celebrated his 23rd anniversary with the Morris Police Department,” Brown said. “He has previously served in the Morris Police Department as a patrolman, field training officer, range instructor, corporal detective, investigations supervisor and sergeant. He received the Officer of the Year Award in 1999 and graduated from the Northern Illinois University School of Police and Public Safety in 2003. He is also a certified lead homicide and sexual assault investigator.

“In 2016, he was appointed deputy chief and reappointed by Chief Steffes on May 3, 2021. In that role, he oversees patrol, training, scheduling, equipment and operations. I would like to congratulate the police department and Deputy Chief Skelton.”

Brown then gave Burke’s history.

“Deputy Chief of Investigations Paul Burke began his career with the Morris Police Department on April 28, 2008, and just celebrated his 13th anniversary. Detective Paul Burke is a graduate of Minooka High School. He was also first in the graduating class of the Grundy Area Vocational Center’s Criminal Justice program. After high school, he received his associate degree from Joliet Junior College.

“Detective Burke was named Officer of the Year in 2013 and was a field training officer. In 2015, he was assigned to lead Investigations as a certified lead homicide investigator, lead sexual assault investigator and internet crimes against children investigator. In addition, Detective Burke served as president of the Morris Police Benevolent Society. I would like to congratulate Deputy Chief Paul Burke on his appointment.”