By Shira Frager
City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly this month announced the promotion of two Queens-based officers honored for their efforts and achievements.
Edward J. Mullen, commanding officer of the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, graduated to deputy chief. William T. Morris, commanding officer of the Criminal Justice Bureau, was promoted to assistant chief.
The promotions were announced by Kelly July 1.
Mullen’s previous commands include the 113th Precinct and Queens North Narcotics District. He joined the New York Housing Police Department in January 1986, beginning his career on patrol. For the next 10 years, he served in various leadership positions, eventually becoming commanding officer of DCPI’s Public Information Division.
“I was promoted to captain, and that’s when I decided to pursue my master’s in public administration in college,” said Mullen. “That gives me a perspective of both working in public and … in business in the private sector.”
“As commanding officer of DCPI, Deputy Chief Edward Mullen ensures that we fulfill our responsibility to share information with the media and with the public quickly and accurately,” Kelly said in a statement.
Mullen received a master’s in public administration from Marist College and a bachelor’s in management from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn. He graduated in 2002 from the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. He has a wife of 20 years and two children.
Morris began his career on patrol after being appointed to the NYPD in July 1981. He served in posts throughout the city and commanded several precincts, including the 105th and 113th, and serving as executive officer of the 110th Precinct.
“The greatest things have been the opportunity to make a difference and the opportunity to accept every challenge for which the Police Department has selected me,” Morris said.
“As commanding officer of the department’s Criminal Justice Bureau, Assistant Chief William Morris helps to coordinate the processing of all arrests in New York City,” Kelly said.
While appreciating having been able to help the community as an officer, Morris acknowledged the greater responsibility that he will face as assistant chief.
“Just in Manhattan North, I look forward to continuing working to reduce crime, serve the community here in Manhattan and work to improve the quality of life,” he said.
Morris holds a bachelor’s degree from Queens College and a juris doctorate from Fordham University School of Law. A 1995 graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University, Morris has been married for 25 years and has three children.
Both Mullen and Morris believe their future positions as leaders will allow them to make a greater difference in Queens and New York City as a whole.
“I am a living example of the tremendous opportunities that this police department offers all its employees,” said Morris. “I hope to do the best I can to serve the community.”