By Mark Weyermuller -
Thousands mourned the death of Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer Saturday after he was killed earlier in the week during a foot chase with a four-time felon just outside downtown's Thompson Building.
The funeral mass took place at the Nativity Of Our Lord Church in the city's Bridgeport neighborhood. All the trees and light posts were decorated with blue ribbons throughout the neighborhood heavily populated with police, fire and city employee families. Several hundred gathered in the main church sanctuary with overflow of another thousand in the church basement watching on video screens. Outside in 27 degree temperatures, thousands stood and listened on loud speakers. Many more Chicagoans watched the funeral and processional live on television.
Commander Bauer was shot several times last Tuesday afternoon just outside the Thompson Center (State of Illinois building) at 100 West Randolph downtown Chicago. The suspect had eluded other officers moments earlier when Bauer, who had a meeting scheduled inside the building, spotted him near a stairwell. A struggle ensued as gunshots rang out. The suspect was apprehended immediately after by other police officers. He is been charged with murder and is being held without bond.
Saturday's Catholic funeral mass lasted two hours. The service started with a biblical reading by Grace Bauer, the commander's 13 year old daughter. Other speakers included Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and Governor Bruce Rauner. Commander Bauer’s casket was carried out to the singing of the traditonal hymn "How Great Thou Art," which brought many to tears.
After a 21- gun salute, the Chicago Police bagpipes rang out. Next, over 1000 police vehicles escorted Commander Bauer to his final resting spot. People lined the route including overpasses on the Dan Ryan Expressway. He was laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in southwest suburban Alsip.
Standing out in the cold with thousands of police officers was an emotional experience. The over 1000 police cars in the processional with flashing blue lights was stunning. Commander Bauer is a hero. I have the utmost respect for these men and women in blue.
Later on in the evening, a celebration of life was held at Saint Ignatius High School nearby on Roosevelt Road. The bagpipes continued throughout the evening. During a playing of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes everybody was asked to raised a glass for a toast to Paul Bauer.
I was unaware that Commander Bauer graduated from Ignatius in 1982 just four years after me. We may have crossed paths there, but I don’t recall. A condolences book is set up until Wednesday at the 18th District police station on Division and Laramie on the near North Side. Flowers and tributes line the lobby.
I did meet Commander Bauer last September at a neighborhood block party. I asked him to take a selfie in case I needed to drop his name sometime in the 18th district. He chuckled and said something like it probably wouldn’t help me. All reports were that Paul Bauer was a wonderful police officer, father, and pillar of the community. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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