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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN MEMORY OF STANLEY WESLEY MORRIS
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Stanley Wesley Morris from our midst: and
WHEREAS, Mr. Morris was the beloved son of William and Laura Morris: and
WHEREAS, Mr. Morris was born and raised in the City of Harvey. He attended Thornton High School where he excelled in basketball, football and baseball while maintaining high academic standards; and
WHEREAS, after graduating in June of 1951, Mr. Morris worked for a short while at Maremont Automotive Products and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he spent four years in Active Duty and another four years in the Reserves; and
WHEREAS, IN 1960, having completed his military obligation he received an Honorable Discharge and returned to the City of Harvey; and
WHEREAS, in May of 1961 after placing high on the Civil Service Exam Mr. Morris was selected as the first
Black man to receive an appointment to the Harvey Police Department; and
WHEREAS, his entry level position being Motorcycle Patrol Officer, Mr. Morris was proud to serve and was determined to advance; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Morris' goals and commitment took him on an upward spiral through the ranks; always academically qualifying for his current job while preparing himself for the next level. Both black and white citizens of Harvey admired him for his leadership skills; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Morris was plagued by racial slurs, discrimination and attempted intimidation perpetuated by forces within the Department as well as by local residents; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Morris overcame these adversaries, stayed with the police force, and ultimately completed the requirements for and achieved ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, and finally receiving the appointment of Chief of Harvey's Police Department. He was a member of NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives).
WHEREAS, Although Mr. Morris again persevered to achieve his goals, he expressed his one regret on this journey, "I am just sorry my mother didn't live to see me become Chief."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, and the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, do hereby offer our deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Stanley Wesley Morris.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to the family of Stanley Wesley Morris and a copy be spread upon the official proceeding of this Honorable Body.
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