Aurora to look within to fill chief position

Aurora will likely not be looking beyond its own ranks to select a new police chief to replace the retiring Chief William Powell.

Powell, 55, announced last week that he intends to retire on April 15, ending a 30-year run with the department and a 30-month tenure as police chief.

When announcing his decision, Powell suggested that he had "handpicked" a command staff he believes would be capable of leading the department for years to come. Tuesday night, Mayor Thomas Weisner agreed.

"I think there is sufficient talent within the department that would preclude us from having to go outside to find a new chief," Weisner said Tuesday. "When Powell was selected, we solicited lieutenants and above to come forward and express interest and proceed in that same way this time."

If a replacement isn't named prior to mid-April, Weisner said Deputy Chief Greg Thomas would function as acting chief until a decision is made.

"I don't think (naming a new chief before April 15) is absolutely imperative. However, we want to move in that direction and if it comes out that way, fine," Weisner said. "We've got a deputy chief who can function just fine as acting chief."

Powell joined the Aurora department in December 1977 and became the first black to serve in its supervisory and command ranks. During his career, he spent many years on the Special Operations Group, where he investigated gang and vice crimes. He also served on the Special Response, or SWAT, Team.

As chief, Powell pushed for increased technology, including the numerous red light cameras to be placed at city intersections later this year. Under his leadership, Aurora also began building its new police headquarters at 1200 East Indian Trail.