Aurora mourns loss of 'fiercely loyal' police commander

Aurora police and the city are mourning the unexpected death of Joseph Groom, 50, a 26-year department veteran and Aurora native who died Wednesday.

Groom worked in many divisions during his career, most recently as the commander of the investigations division.

The cause of death is not known; police said Groom suddenly fell ill early Wednesday morning at his home and was taken to a hospital by paramedics.

Mayor Tom Weisner said Groom's death was a "loss to our entire city."

"He definitely was a class act who was fiercely loyal to his hometown," Weisner said. "Even before he was born and raised here, his family served our community for decades. Joe then took the baton, ran with it and he certainly made Aurora a better place during his time with us."

During his career, Groom served in the patrol, taught the DARE program, and worked in special operations, field training and in the professional standards office before his final position of commander.

He earned 12 department commendations and was instrumental in the construction of the new police station, which was completed in 2010.

Interim Police Chief Paul Nelson called Groom's death "devastating."

"Joe was an outstanding and compassionate police officer, community servant and close friend," Nelson said. "As proud as he was of being an Aurora police officer, it paled in comparison to the pride Joe had for his wife Kimberly, his children; and his parents, brothers and sisters. He was the epitome of a family man."

Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon said he worked with Groom on many cases.

"As state's attorney, I saw his humble and graceful leadership in his roles as a commander for the men and women of the Aurora Police Department," McMahon said. "Joe was a cop's cop and an investigator who was held in high regard for his thoroughness and integrity. Joe Groom was a police officer to be proud of."

Funeral arrangements are pending.