Chad Christopher Cerinich was born on April 18, 1967 in Whittier, California to Marjory and Stephen Cerinich. It is with great sorrow that his family shares news of his passing at the age of 58 on April 29, 2025.
Chad spent his youngest years living and attending schools in Boulder, Colorado. He enjoyed spending summers at his sister’s home in Utah camping, fishing, and exploring with his nephew, Jason. He spent 35 years with his former wife, Shannon. They loved to go to Las Vegas together. Chad always had a keen interest in trains and model railroads and a deep fondness, love, and enthusiasm for dogs.
Chad graduated from University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organization Management. It was said that when he handed his diploma to his father, he said, “So I finished what you wanted me to do, and now I’m going to do what I want to do: attend the Police Academy!”
Chad began his career with the Aurora Police Department in 1990. He has served in a variety of assignments as both an officer and a supervisor with the SWAT team, Field Training Unit, Emergency Response Team, Police Area Representatives, and Special Operations Bureau. He also served as the Commander of the Internal Investigations Bureau before his appointment in 2024 as Division Chief – Special Operations Division where his current duties included a role in the Homeland Security section, Traffic section, Strategic Enforcement section, Tactical Response section, and the Regional Anti-violence Enforcement Network of the Aurora Police Department.
Chad is survived by his sister, Macie Kathleen Wolfe, his former wife Shannon Arthur, his nephew Jason Wolfe and family, and his two rescue dogs, Lacy and Charlie.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am Monday, May 12, 2025 at Timberline Church, 2908 South Timberline Rd., Fort Collins.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made by following instructions on the “Spirit of Aurora” 501(c)(3) site (auroragov.org) and specifying the “Aurora Police K-9 Unit.”
Please visit Chad’s tribute page at goesfuneralcare.com to share condolences with his family.