Deputy Chief Keith Cross Nominated As Aurora's Next Police Chief

AURORA, IL — Aurora Police Department Deputy Chief Keith Cross has been nominated by Mayor Richard Irvin to serve as Aurora's next chief of police.

If the Aurora City Council approves the nearly 27-year veteran of the force, Cross would become the city's second Black police chief.

Wednesday's announcement comes weeks after Police Chief Kristen Ziman announced she was retiring from the department, the second largest in the state, after 30 years of service. Ziman had spent her entire career in the Aurora department thus far, starting as a cadet. Her last day is set for Aug. 6.

Cross grew up on the East Side and graduated from East Aurora High School before graduating from Western Illinois University. He has served in various roles since he began at the Aurora Police Department in 1994.

Cross said he values the day-to-day interactions he had as a patrolman, but is excited to serve the community where he grew up in a different way.

"[Chief Ziman] left tremendously large shoes to fill. Fortunately for me I have big feet," Cross said at a press conference. "Size 14 to be exact."

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On a serious note, Cross said he will focus on increased police training in order to diversify the force and maintain professionalism.

"Communities and law enforcement agencies face a very different challenge today than they did 27 years ago," he said.

Also on Wednesday, Aurora Police Department Support Services Cmdr. Matt Thomas was appointed to take over as the next deputy chief.

Both Cross's and Thomas's appointments still need to voted on by the Aurora City Council.