January 6, 2023 |
In one of his first official acts as mayor of Saratoga, Chuck Davis appointed a new police chief.
Mayor Davis picked longtime lawman Mike Morris for the job. Chief Morris was sworn in on January 4th, taking the position previously held by Ken Lehr.
Chief Morris was born in Colorado but raised in Carbon County. Growing up in Rawlins, Morris said he has always been interested in being a first responder. Chief Morris describes his history in law enforcement.
Pictured above: File photo of Saratoga Town Hall/Police Department. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Chief Morris was undersheriff for about nine years. He left the sheriff’s office in 2013 for medical reasons. After receiving a clean bill of health, he unsuccessfully ran for Carbon County Sheriff. Chief Morris said losing the race for sheriff allowed him to be Saratoga’s chief of police.
Davis’ decision to pick Morris to head the Saratoga PD came weeks before he took office on the belief that new leadership was needed. Morris inherited the department from Ken Lehr, who served under former mayor, Creed James. Chief Morris said he doesn’t plan to make any major changes from Lehr’s time as head of police.
Ken Lehr was ousted from his position with short notice. When asked what role Lehr would have in his department, Chief Morris said he would make Lehr a supervisor.
At the January 3rd Saratoga Town Council Meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis said he has known Mike Morris for a long time and feels he will make a great police chief.
