Aurora police commander Kristen Ziman (center) was named Aurora’s 28th chief of police on Thursday by Mayor Tom Weisner. Photo — Suburban Chronicle

Kristen Ziman has worked her way up the ranks during a 25-year career with the Aurora Police Department.

Now she’ll serve as the city’s top cop after Mayor Tom Weisner announced he’s recommending the Aurora native as new chief of police.

Weisner made the announcement on Thursday in a packed police department conference room that included family, police colleagues and city staff.

“Becoming Aurora’s first female police chief is not the only way she has been a trailblazer and I’m confident that her considerable talent will lead the department to new heights,” Weisner said.

Wiman, a West Aurora High School graduate who began her career in 1991 as an Aurora Police cadet, became a sworn officer in 1994 and has worked in patrol, field training, community policing and investigations.

She was promoted to sergeant in 2003, lieutenant in 2008 and commander in 2010.

“I am both excited and grateful beyond belief to serve the men and women of the Aurora Police Department and the citizens of this community” she said.  “I do not take this responsibility lightly and will work tirelessly and energetically to build upon the legacy of this professional organization.”

Ziman. was immediately named acting chief and her permanent appointment will be considered by the Aurora City Council at next week’s committee-of-the-whole and City Council meetings. If approved, she would be the 28th police chief in Aurora history.

She earned an Associate’s Degree from Waubonsee Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Aurora University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management from Boston University.

She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and plus leadership and law enforcement programs at Northwestern University, Harvard and the Senior Management Institute for Police.

— Aurora’s first female chief is trailblazer, department veteran —