10/07/2026
James “Jim” Seneca is retiring from the Aurora Police Department after a career defined by resilience, service, and deep commitment to the Aurora community. A cancer survivor, nonprofit founder, and longtime ambassador for APD, he leaves behind more than three decades of impact.
Jim began his law enforcement journey in 1987, overcoming a leukemia diagnosis just weeks into police academy training. After six months of chemotherapy, he returned to policing with a promise to help others facing similar hardship.
He joined APD in 1995 and served in several community‑focused roles, including coordinating the Aurora Citizen Police Academy, serving as a School Resource Officer, and later becoming APD’s Senior Resource Officer supporting Aurora’s senior population.
As a cancer survivor, Jim founded Cops Fighting Cancer, which has supported families — especially those with children — facing cancer for more than 20 years and has raised over $1 million. He also leads the annual Long Blue Line at Children’s Hospital Colorado, bringing dozens of agencies together to deliver Christmas gifts and gift cards to children undergoing treatment. He played an early role in advocacy for Colorado’s Childhood Cancer Awareness license plates.
Throughout his career, Jim has embodied APD’s values of service, compassion, and community partnership. His journey, from cancer patient to police officer, survivor, nonprofit founder, SRO, Senior Resource Officer, and community leader, reflects a lifetime of turning adversity into service.
The Aurora Police Department proudly honors Jim Seneca for his leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to the Aurora community.
-Public Information Office | Office of the Chief of Police
Aurora, Colorado Police Department