New Aurora Police Chief, Deputy Chief Sworn In

AURORA, IL — Aurora Police Department's new police chief and deputy police chief have been sworn in Tuesday night.

As the 43rd chief, Matt Thomas succeeds former Chief Keith Cross, who led the department beginning in July 2021 and will retire at the end of May. Steve Stemmet will serve as Thomas's deputy chief.

On Tuesday night, Mayor John Laesch conducted the swearing-in ceremonies Tuesday night. Thomas and Stemmet were approved for their new roles by a unanimous City Council on April 22; Alderman-at-Large Ron Woerman was not in attendance.

Thomas started with the Aurora Police Department in 2002 and rose through the ranks, being promoted to sergeant in 2008 and lieutenant in 2018. As a lieutenant, he served as the K-9 coordinator, Area One afternoon lieutenant and Central Services lieutenant and contributed to the department's Employee Review Board.

In 2021, he became commander and oversaw the Support Services Bureau. Later that same year, he was promoted once more to deputy chief, where he helped modernize internal systems and enhance operational support across divisions.

"As the next chief of police, I plan to continue on the path of success we’ve been on, strengthening relationships with our community, and building on the trust we worked so hard to earn," Thomas said in a statement. "This progress is a result of every member of our police department and every partner of our community, working together to develop trust and generate momentum for the future."

Stemmet had a similar trajectory as Thomas within the Aurora Police Department. After beginning his law enforcement career with the Montgomery Police Department, he came to Aurora in 1999, was promoted to sergeant in 2014 and to lieutenant in 2018. During his time as a lieutenant, Stemmet served as Special Operations Group lieutenant, night watch commander, Area Two afternoon shift lieutenant and Special Response Team lieutenant. He was also a contributing member of the Employee Review Board.

As commander, a role he was promoted to in 2021, Stemmet led the Support Services Bureau and later the Investigative Services Bureau. As deputy chief, Stemmet will continue advancing operational efficiency, strengthening investigative capabilities and promoting a culture of accountability and service, city officials said in a news release.

"I am fully committed to keeping Aurora one of the safest and most rewarding communities for all of our citizens to live in and call home," Stemmet said in a statement. "I vow to support Chief Thomas and his vision for the future of our city."