Page 52 - October 2018 FOP Magazine

■ BY ERIKA WURST
If there was ever a bittersweet mo- ment in Chicago Police Captain Melvin Roman’s life, Sept. 25 was it.
That’s when the Department retired the star of Roman’s friend and colleague, 18th District Commander Paul Bauer. Bauer was shot and killed on Feb. 13 while pursuing an offender downtown. His star, No. 29, was retired at the Hon- ored Star Case Ceremony at Chicago Po- lice Headquarters.
“It was a beautiful moment, but a ter- rible moment,” Roman said of the event. “It’s horrible, but it’s a tremendous honor that his name will never be forgotten.”
Bauer’s badge joins those of 582 other Chicago Police Officers who died in the line of duty.
“I don’t know if this makes sense, but when they pinned his star I felt comfort- ed and happy knowing that there were friendly faces there for his ‘arrival,’” Ro- man said. “Now every time I go into that building, I can stop and remember him for a moment before I go on with what- ever business I have to deal with.”
The ceremony was attended by May-
or Rahm Emanuel, Governor Bruce Rauner and Police Superintendent Ed- die Johnson, who came to honor Bauer’s wife, Erin, and his 13-year-old daughter, Grace.
“It was great that the mayor and gov- ernor were there, but this was something for Paul, and for the officers and his fam- ily,” Roman said. “I think the Department honored his family well.” d
A star is retired
Proud to serve Chicago’s Finest
Outstanding Agents! Outstanding Results!
Serving Chicagoland and its surrounding suburbs
52 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ OCTOBER 2018