After 30 years of service, Aurora’s trailblazing and history-making Black female police leader retired Friday, Dec. 15.
In front of a packed room of early risers, Commander Liz Robinson-Chan gave her final roll call at 6:30 a.m..
Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross led the ceremony for his colleague and friend, who personally welcomed him into the department 29 years ago, a year after she joined APD.
Robinson-Chan was appointed as a police officer in 1993, rose through the ranks, and broke the glass ceiling. She was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2012, the first Black female in the department’s history. She continues to blaze a trail of excellence as the first Black female lieutenant in 2020 and the first Black female commander in 2022.
During her three decades with APD, she served in all four bureaus. She served as a patrol officer and a community-oriented police officer. As a sergeant, she served as a Patrol supervisor, Evidence Unit supervisor, and Patrol Support sergeant. As a lieutenant, she served as the Area Two second shift Lieutenant and the Administrative Services Lieutenant. As a commander, she oversaw the Support Services Bureau and the Administrative Services Bureau.
A lesson in resilience, Commander Robinson-Chan is a breast cancer and brain tumor survivor.
She will now spend her time with her elementary-school-aged daughter and volunteer in the community.
— City government of Aurora