Street gangs to be targeted by new Aurora chief

With 30 years of experience in the Aurora Police Department, the city's new police chief knows where he'll need to focus his department's assets to keep the residents happy and safe.

"We know we need to target violent crimes and street gangs and that's what we're going to continue to do," Greg Thomas said Tuesday. "We're also going to be looking at ways to improve the quality of life in the city by tackling the loud music and speeding car issues."

Thomas, 47, who has served as Aurora's deputy police chief since last fall, was appointed Tuesday to the chief position with a resolution unanimously approved by all 11 aldermen.

Even with his experience in the department, Thomas said he's not anticipating any major moves or shakeups.

"Everyone always says what they would do if they got to sit in the top chair," he said. "But now I'm here in the top chair and I'm realizing that we'll need to take a good hard look at the department and see what, if anything, needs to be done."

Fourth Ward Alderman Rick Lawrence, 5th Ward Alderman Jon "Whitey" Peters and 6th Ward Alderman Michael Saville all applauded Mayor Tom Weisner's appointment of Thomas. Peters, however, thought he was recognizing a trend.

"He's the second or third chief in a row we've had come from the 5th Ward," Peters said with a smile. "We must grow 'em pretty good out there."

As chief, Thomas will oversee a department with 416 full- and part-time sworn and civilian employees. As a member of the command staff, he's been an advocate for community policing strategies and has focused on ways to increase accountability in the department. That's the philosophy he willl continue, he said.

"I intend to delegate responsibilities and hold people accountable for their actions," Thomas said. "That's how I plan to run the department and I think the officers will appreciate that."

A lifelong Aurora resident, Thomas joined the department in 1978 as a cadet and became an officer in 1982. He was promoted to sergeant in 1993, to lieutenant in 2003, to commander in 2005 and to deputy chief in 2007.

He has received numerous awards, including honors as Aurora Police Department Officer of the Year and Exchange Club of Aurora Police Officer of the Year.

Former Chief William Powell retired April 14 after serving the department in various capacities for more than 30 years.