Fallen Hero Paul Bauer Worked In District 22 During 1990s

CHICAGO, IL - Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer, whose life was tragically cut short on Tuesday when he was shot multiple times by a man he was pursuing near the Thompson Center downtown, worked in several parts of the city since first becoming a police officer in 1986. For a four-year span during the 1990s, that work was performed locally in the city's 22nd District.

"Commander Bauer was well respected when he was here," 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea said. "He was a dedicated policeman and more importantly a loving father and husband and that's how he should be remembered."

A biography of Bauer's CPD career released by the Chicago Police Department on Wednesday indicates the fallen hero worked in the 22nd District as a Sergeant from 1994 to 1998. He was promoted to Sergeant after serving as a patrol in the 3rd and 1st districts and later became known as leading the city's Mounted Unit before serving the end of his career as the Commander of the 18th District.

"Throughout his various assignments he professionally oversaw public safety plans at large scaleevents and for dignitary protection," Chicago police said in a statement about Bauer's career. "Commander Bauer also made community outreach a priority, attending countless public meetings and hosting a monthly Coffee with the Commander meeting in his district."

O'Shea said that since Bauer's death on Tuesday that there's been "an overwhelming, profound sadness" in the 19th Ward community, which is heavily populated with police officers and firefighters.

"He was someone who everyone feels like they knew," O'Shea said. "Our community has banded together as a result of this unfortunate tragedy. We recognize how important it is to honor the fallen and admire our first responders."

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Photo courtesy of the Chicago Police Department