In a recent city council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Bigelow acknowledged the retirement of Chief Gordon, expressing gratitude for his impactful leadership since joining the Thornton Police Department in September 2020. Bigelow highlighted Gordon's efforts in community engagement, particularly through the creation of a community engagement team, which fostered better communication between residents and the police. The Mayor Pro Tem also hinted at the challenging environment within the city council, suggesting that it may have influenced Gordon's decision to retire.

The meeting also featured public comments addressing the proposed camping bans for individuals experiencing homelessness. Susie Martinez, a social worker with extensive experience in the field, criticized the council's approach, arguing that such bans would criminalize vulnerable populations, particularly women and children fleeing domestic violence. She presented several studies indicating that while camping bans may temporarily reduce visible homelessness, they often exacerbate instability and health risks for those displaced.

Martinez emphasized the need for supportive measures rather than punitive ones, urging the council to reconsider its stance on homelessness. The meeting concluded with a community member announcing preparations for the upcoming Dia de Muertos celebration, inviting broader participation from Thornton's Latino community.