Page 46 - March 2018 FOP Newsletter

Commander Bauer
Honoring
A community draped in blue for its fallen son
n BY DAN CAMPANA
Blue lights glowed from bungalow win- dows.
Blue ribbons tied to trees and chain- link fences fluttered in the cold February breeze.
American flag and Thin Blue Line flags dotted the front porches of homes up and down South Side streets in tribute to a man who was one of their own from the Bridgeport neighborhood.
Commander Paul Bauer’s place in this close community of Police Officers, fire- fighters and union workers was solidified a long time ago through his family ties, his commitment to Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church and a love of the Chicago White Sox, who also call this area home.
When Bauer died in the line of duty on Feb. 13, this nook of the City mourned mightily. But, in true Chicago spirit, the residents of Bauer’s community chan- neled their grief into putting their best foot forward in showing support for their fallen friend and his family.
As hundreds upon hundreds of resi- dents descended on 37th Street and the area surrounding the church for 53-year- old Bauer’s visitation and funeral, Bauer’s friends and neighbors rolled out the blue carpet to leave no doubt about their feel- ings.
“I think it’s great for the family to at least know the neighborhood is one big family and we’re always going to be here to support each other,” said Erin Esposito, who grew up near the church and knew the Bauers through neighborhood activi- ties. “It’s been amazing to see all the blue ribbons going up and getting the streets cleared off so that everyone can park here. It’s a tight-knit community; there are lot of Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Officers represented here. His death is absolutely heartbreaking.”
On the night of Friday, Feb. 16, mourn- ers circled the block – from 37th Street and Lowe Avenue, south to 38th Street then east to Union Avenue – to wait as long as three hours to pay their respects. Residents didn’t just watch the streams of well-wishers; they opened their homes for a few moments of warmth, offering
cups of coffee to those who braved the el- ements without complaint.
Across the street from the church on Friday, Nick Demitro and Michael Beenn stood vigil to honor Bauer and all po- lice officers. Demitro held a pair of flags, while Beenn placed his right hand over his heart as his left hand held a sign read- ing “Thank You Blue For All You Do.”
“My heart is broken for this family. I’m a patriot and a veteran, and I stand here for a lot of people who can’t be here. That’s who I represent. We have numbers that back the police,” Beenn said. “Some- times, police don’t feel like they’re being appreciated. I want them to see numbers. We have to stand up for our law enforce- ment and the law.”
Demitro said he’s gotten to know many police officers while working neighbor- hood watch in the 12th Ward. Although he never met Bauer, Demitro echoed Beenn’s sentiments about standing up for all Police Officers.
“I believe in them and believe in fol- lowing their system,” he added. “I believe it is my right to come out here and stand
behind the police officers. I’m showing my support for the men and women in blue.”
No sooner had the light of day appeared on Saturday than squad cars representing hundreds of police departments began to fill the streets to attend Bauer’s funeral. Officers parked blocks from the church and walked through the neighborhood on their way to the service.
“Thank you,” a woman said softly to a trio of suburban officers who passed her porch as she stood with her cell phone to video the bevy of police cars packed four- wide on Union Avenue from 37th Street to Pershing Road.
East of the church on 37th Street, Ed Christensen and Neal McCann – along with family and friends – borrowed a buddy’s garage at 6 a.m. to set up a spread with 40 dozen donuts and gallons upon gallons of coffee to hand out to Police Of- ficers walking by.
“We’re doing this because we respect
46 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MARCH 2018