The Aurora Police Department (APD) will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony on February 15, 2026, to honor the victims of the deadly shooting that occurred seven years ago at the Henry Pratt Company. On that fateful day in 2019, a disgruntled employee fatally shot five co-workers and injured five police officers who responded to the scene. The names of the deceased—Clayton Parks, Trevor Wehner, Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, and Josh Pinkard—will forever be etched in the memory of the community and the department, serving as a poignant reminder of both the tragedy and the commitment to serve.
As the community mourned, it also demonstrated remarkable solidarity with the APD, whose members were celebrated as heroes for their swift actions that prevented further loss of life. The trauma from this incident has profoundly impacted the department, with many officers carrying the weight of that day throughout their careers.
Retired Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross, who was deputy chief at the time, reflects on the annual remembrance with a heavy heart. “There are really no words to describe it,” he stated, recalling the confusion and anguish felt outside Lutheran General Hospital as he awaited news about his injured officers. He described the experience as a “heavy, heavy weight,” illustrating the emotional toll it took on him and his colleagues.
The outpouring of support from the community and beyond was crucial in helping the APD navigate this difficult period. However, this solidarity faced challenges as the landscape of public perception shifted dramatically following the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020. The same officers who were once praised found themselves under intense scrutiny amidst national protests against police brutality.
In Aurora, demonstrations against the police erupted, leading to vandalism and escalating tensions. The APD’s efforts to maintain order during these protests often resulted in confrontations that further fueled public distrust. As officers faced backlash, even those who had previously endured trauma from the Pratt shooting, the community’s reaction reflected a deepening divide.
On February 9, 2026, approximately 1,500 students from East Aurora High School staged a walkout in protest of federal immigration enforcement operations. According to an official statement from the police, students created public safety hazards by moving into traffic and ignoring directives from law enforcement. The situation escalated, resulting in multiple arrests, including one incident where a student allegedly assaulted an officer, leading to injuries requiring medical attention.
The aftermath of these events saw a wave of online criticism directed at the APD, including accusations of excessive force. This scrutiny is particularly disheartening for officers like Marco Gomez, who narrowly escaped death during the Pratt shooting. “It is discouraging and impacts morale,” he acknowledged, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in today’s environment.
Both Gomez and Cross recognize that while accountability is essential, the rapid judgments formed in the court of public opinion can be frustrating. Cross emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of police work, particularly when only brief video clips circulate without full context. “When officers are put in difficult situations, people often don’t understand the process or procedures,” he said.
As Aurora prepares to remember the victims of the Pratt tragedy and honor the bravery of the officers, the APD finds itself again under public scrutiny. However, Gomez and Cross remain hopeful that the critical spotlight will eventually fade. They believe in the dedication of the department, which has become one of the most respected and highly trained in the nation.
“We will be there for the community, whether we have their support or not,” Gomez stated, reinforcing the commitment to serve all community members, even those who may oppose them. He added that the upcoming anniversary should focus on honoring those lost rather than the controversies that surround the department.
“I don’t want all this chaos to take away from those who were lost or their families,” Gomez concluded. As the city gathers to reflect on the tragic events of February 15, 2019, the APD’s legacy of service continues, marked by both sorrow and resilience.
