Like Officer Brian Shields before him, APD indicates Sergeant Ken Thurman died of COVID “while serving the Aurora community”
The Aurora Police Department issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:
It is with a very heavy heart that the Aurora Illinois Police Department announces the death of Sergeant Ken Thurman.
Sergeant Thurman passed away Wednesday, at the age of 51. He died from complications related to his contracting COVID-19 while serving the Aurora community.
Ken was sworn in as an Aurora Police Officer on May 30th, 2000.
On August 30th, 2003, he joined the Community Oriented Policing (COP) Unit where he served throughout the city by helping members of the community foster safe neighborhoods and strong relationships with the Aurora Police Department.
Promoted to Sergeant on July 19th, 2008, He 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.
Sgt 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.
“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. “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.”
The Aurora Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the Thurman family, friends, and his extended law enforcement family. Please 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. “Our entire department is mourning; please keep our APD family in your thoughts and prayers.”
More information about arrangements will be forthcoming.
