Capitol police chief to retire

Capitol Police Chief Phillip Morse will retire after more than a quarter century of public service, The Hill has learned.

House lawmakers on Monday thanked Morse for his dedication.

{mosads}“Since becoming Chief of Capitol Police in 2006, Chief Morse has maintained an exceptional level of security and has kept USCP in the forefront of anti-terror initiatives,” wrote Committee on House Administration chairman Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) and ranking member Rep. Robert Brady (D-Pa.) in a statement.

“We thank Chief Morse for his leadership, outstanding service and dedication to protecting Congress, and we wish him the best in retirement,” the lawmakers added.

Morse was promoted to chief of the Capitol Police in October 2006. According to the department, he first joined the force in 1985 and was initially assigned to the Senate Division.

During his career with the Capitol Police, he was assigned to the Containment and Emergency Response Team, the Patrol Mobile Response Division, the Office of Professional Standards and Compliance and the Dignitary Protection Division, according to the department.

Among his past responsibilities were managing the overall security planning for the 2004 Democratic and Republican Conventions, and developing the security plans for the 55th Presidential Inauguration.