The Aurora Police Department will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony on February 15, 2026, to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the tragic shooting at the Henry Pratt Company that left five employees dead and five police officers injured. The victims—Clayton Parks, Trevor Wehner, Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, and Josh Pinkard—are forever linked to the department’s history, serving as a somber reminder of both loss and the commitment to serve.
The shooting on February 15, 2019, shocked the community and prompted an outpouring of support for the Aurora Police Department (APD). In the year following the tragedy, law enforcement officers were hailed as heroes for their rapid response, which many believe prevented an even greater catastrophe. Retired Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross, who was deputy chief at the time, reflects on that fateful day with a heavy heart. He recalls waiting outside Lutheran General Hospital, grappling with the confusion and fear as two of his officers fought for their lives. “There are really no words to describe it,” Cross said. “It was a heavy, heavy weight.”
The community’s solidarity provided crucial support to the APD during a time of profound grief. However, the national landscape of policing changed dramatically following the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020. The same officers who had received accolades just a year earlier found themselves under intense scrutiny as protests erupted nationwide, including in Aurora. As tensions rose, local protests led to vandalism and confrontations with law enforcement, complicating the APD’s relationship with the community.
In February 2023, a protest against federal immigration enforcement operations saw around 1,500 students, primarily from East Aurora High School, walk out of class. The situation escalated as some students blocked traffic and engaged in altercations. The APD reported instances of violence, including an officer being injured after a student allegedly punched him, requiring medical treatment. Video footage of police intervention further fueled public debate about law enforcement practices.
According to APD Sergeant Marco Gomez, whose life was nearly claimed during the Pratt shooting, the current atmosphere of public criticism has taken a toll on morale. “It is discouraging and impacts morale,” Gomez stated, reflecting on the dual challenges of receiving accolades for bravery while simultaneously facing public backlash. He acknowledged that scrutiny is part of the job but emphasized the importance of fairness and context in evaluating police actions.
Cross noted that the public often forms opinions based on limited information, like brief video clips of incidents, which can lead to misunderstandings of the complexities involved in law enforcement. “When officers are put in difficult situations, people often don’t understand the process or procedures,” he explained. “It can be frustrating at times.”
As the APD prepares to honor the victims of the Pratt shooting, both Gomez and Cross hope the focus remains on remembering those lives lost rather than the controversies surrounding policing in general. “I don’t want all this chaos to take away from those who were lost or their families,” Gomez said. He emphasized the importance of community healing, stating, “This week should be about them.”
Despite the challenges faced, the APD remains committed to serving all community members, regardless of public sentiment. Gomez expressed confidence in the department’s resilience, citing its reputation as one of the most respected and highly trained police forces in the country. “We will be there for the community, whether we have their support or not,” he added, reaffirming a dedication to public service that transcends the current climate of scrutiny.
The anniversary of the Pratt tragedy serves as both a moment of remembrance and reflection for the city of Aurora, highlighting the enduring impact of loss on a community while reaffirming the commitment of its law enforcement to protect and serve.
