After 12 years of dedicated service to the University of New Haven Police Department, Sgt. John Morris is retiring. To thank him for his dedication and service, UNH honored Sgt. Morris Thursday April 24 at 2:30 p.m. in the Moulton Lounge.

Chief Mark DeLieto presented a plaque to Morris during the reception, and thanked him for all that he’s done. “John has been an asset to the department for a long time,” DeLieto said. “He’s got years of experience.”

Before coming to UNH, Sgt. Morris served 25 years with the West Haven Police Department. DeLieto said that Sgt. Morris started his “second” career at UNH with grace, and always went above and beyond to help whoever needed it.

“I made some good friends here,” Sgt. Morris said. Morris has strong ties to UNH; he completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the university. “I’ve seen the university change and grow over the years, and I’m a little sad to be leaving.”

DeLieto is grateful to have been able to work with Morris. “I consider him a brother and a real friend. I know I can go to him with anything and he’d always be willing to help out,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here,” Sgt. Morris expressed, saying he’ll miss the students here, who were always so nice.

Sgt. Morris said he was sad to be leaving, but sounded excited about his retirement; he plans to move to Arizona, where he was happy to point out that there’s no snow.