Fountain appoints police chief

The Fountain City Council approved the city manager's recommendation Wednesday night to appoint the acting police chief as the police chief.

"His proven leadership and knowledge were instrumental in implementing the community-oriented policing philosophy in our Police Department," City Manager Greg Nyhoff said.

Morse joined the department in 2001 after working with the Colorado Springs Police Department for nine years.

He graduated from Mitchell High School, then earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Colorado.

He also earned a master's degree in business administration from Regis University and a doctorate from the University of Colorado, where he did doctoral research on community policing.

Morse also worked as a paramedic and certified public accountant.

As a lieutenant, he oversees all daily operations at the department, including the patrol, detective, motorcycle units, SWAT and emergency service dispatch.

Morse will fill the position vacated by Chief David Moore, who resigned in October to become chief of the Laurel, Md., Police Department.