Aurora Police Veteran Thurman Dies From COVID-19 Complications

AURORA, IL — The Aurora Police Department has lost a 21-year veteran on its force after Sgt. Ken Thurman died of complications of COVID-19 on Wednesday. He was 51.

The department said in a news release that Thurman contracted the virus while serving the Aurora community. Thurman was sworn in as an Aurora Police Officer on May 30th, 2000, the department said.

Thurman death comes a week after another veteran officer, Brian Shields, died from complications of COVID-19.

“Our condolences and prayers go out to Ken’s family and to all those he served with during his more than 21 years as a member of the Aurora Police Department," Aurora Chief of Police Keith Cross said in a statement. “Our police department family will do everything possible to provide support and comfort to Ken’s family. Ken’s memory will live on forever at APD.”

Thurman joined the Community Oriented Policing (COP) Unit in Aug. 2003, and he served throughout the city by helping members of the community foster safe neighborhoods and strong relationships with the police department.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2008 and worked in various roles including patrol supervisor, jail supervisor, and most recently, the Patrol Support Sergeant, where he streamlined the way officers utilize technology and equipment throughout the department. Ken also was a leading member of the department’s creation and implementation of the “Transparency and Accountability Program” (TAP) to launch APD’s new body cameras, fleet cameras, and Digital Evidence Unit, the department.

Officials said that Thurman was known throughout the department and the community as one who always put others before self.

“In both his words and his deeds, Sgt. Thurman enhanced the quality of life in those he served,” the department said in a social media post on Thursday.

The department said in the post that it extends our deepest condolences to the Thurman family, friends, and his extended law enforcement family. The department also asks residents to respect the family’s privacy as they go through this difficult time.

“This has been an extremely difficult few weeks for the men and women of the Aurora Police Department,” Cross said in the post. “Our entire department is mourning; please keep our APD family in your thoughts and prayers.”

More information about arrangements will be forthcoming, the department said.