Friday, Aug. 6 marked the end of an era in Aurora because now-retired Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman concluded a 30-year ground-breaking and trail-blazing career at the Police Department.
Mayor Richard Irvin proclaimed August 6 as Chief Kristen Ziman Day in Aurora, and it was one filled with hugs, tears, salutes, and surprises.
Ziman began the day with a surprise renaming of the Station’s two community rooms as the Chief Kristen Ziman Community Center.
The meeting site is home to several community groups, including the Law Enforcement Youth Academy, the Citizens Police Academy of Aurora Alumni Association, the Boys 2 Men mentor group, and a regular gathering place for community events with residents and police personnel. Mayor Irvin renamed the space as a symbol of Ziman’s stalwart commitment to bring the community together.
When she left the Police Department for the final time the evening of August 6, Ziman concluded the day with a surprise gathering of Aurora police officers, City leaders, community members and representation from several law enforcement units, including the Illinois State Police, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, and Police Departments from Montgomery, Yorkville, Carpentersville, Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College, and the Fox Valley Park District.
The Aurora Police Department Honor Guard lowered the flag at headquarters, which was presented to her by the new Aurora police chief, Keith Cross.
With tears in her eyes, an emotional Ziman said farewell to her hometown one final time.
“Thank you for being the best of the best,” she said to the gathered officers. “Thank you to the citizens of this City. We will never forget the love you’ve given us over the years and for wrapping your arms around us in the most trying times. This has been the honor of my lifetime to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest men and women, professional staff, and members of this City. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross assumed duties of the Aurora Police Department August 6, and his public swearing-in ceremony was set to be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11.
—Clayton A. Muhammad, chief communications officer, City of Aurora government