Chicago City Wire

All rules were suspended Thursday during Senate floor debate for the presentation of SR1410 by Sen. Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago) in honor of Chicago Police Cmdr. Paul Bauer of the 18th District, who was fatally shot Tuesday by an alleged four-time felon in front of the Thompson Center.

Before offering a moment of silence, Munoz said though he had never had the pleasure of working with the 53-year-old commander, so many who he spoke with in the last couple of days called Bauer “truly a policeman’s man,” who was outgoing and caring.

“Paul Bauer gave the ultimate sacrifice for his community, one that he swore to protect,” according to SR1410, adding Bauer was not only a Chicago police office but also a community icon. “He shall be remembered as a true hero to the people and to his family.”

The tragedy struck the hearts of many, according to the Chicago Tribune.

“The incident briefly pitched the heart of Chicago’s business and governmental district into turmoil as emergency vehicles screamed down streets, office workers looked on from sidewalks on a cold, gray day and police cordoned off sections of the downtown area that includes the engines of state, city and county government,” the Chicago Tribune reported on Feb. 14.

One of the onlookers was Senate President John Cullerton’s (D-Chicago) daughter.

“I did not know the police officer; however I do have a connection to him,” Cullerton said. “This murder took place in front of the State of Illinois building, and my daughter happened to be there when it happened, and she was a witness to this murder.”

Cullerton said his daughter was asked to pick the suspect out of a lineup.

“When she was being interviewed by the detectives, she told me the entire police headquarters was incredibly saddened and the detectives interviewing her were breaking up and crying,” Cullerton said. “They explained to her that this particular officer left his wife and daughter in the morning, was not expected to be in jeopardy of losing his life, but he volunteered and put himself in those circumstances.”

Cullerton called Bauer’s death a tragedy that has affected everyone in Chicago.

“I feel very sorry for his loss,” Cullerton added.  

SR410 was adopted and will be presented to Bauer's daughter Grace and his wife Erin.