Page 44 - March 2018 FOP Newsletter

Commander Bauer
Honoring
IN HIS SERVICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43
and Drums played ceremonial accompa- niment and the CPD Honor Guard posted colors.
A subtle scene-setter came as a gift from a recruit. Ricardo Perez, who moved from the Aviation Police and will become a Lodge 7 member when he finishes at the academy in June, crafted a special blue line flag out of wood. Father Dan hung it from the lectern for the service, and Pe- rez, and his wife, Kimberly, presented it to Erin and Grace afterward.
“Not even knowing Paul but hearing a lot about who he was just kind of motivat- ed us to make something in his honor,” Perez explained.
Superintendent Eddie Johnson took the lead in offering the police-inspired homilies. He commented about the end- less stream of support and praise for Bau- er from every level of the Department, not to mention every level of the City, and then related a conversation he had with his command staff that really was direct- ed at every officer.
“In my 30 years, I have never seen an entire district come out for a funeral, so
Paul’s daughter, Grace, offered a reading as she usually does at the bi-weekly Police Mass.
I asked them, ‘Should something happen to you would you, get that kind of sup- port? And if the answer is no or you don’t know, why don’t you know?’” Johnson challenged. “That is a testament to Paul that he transcended his life.”
The superintendent once again thanked Erin and Grace for “propping
up the Department,” then reiterated the story about Bauer helping the custodian in his 18th District learn to speak English. Every day, Bauer would stop and practice with the man.
“The highest-ranking person in the building taking time every day to engage this person – that guy remained as hum-
2758 W. 111th Street Chicago, IL 60655 773-239-2548 www.ajuniform.com
AJ Uniform extends our heartfelt condolences to Erin, Grace, and the entire CPD family.
Commander Paul Bauer’s service to the community and devotion to his family and friends will live in our hearts and minds forever.
Rest in Peace, Susan and Richard
44 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MARCH 2018