Memorial Service Marks 1 Year Anniversary Of Cmdr. Bauer's Death

CHICAGO — Family members and friends of fallen Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer laid flowers Wednesday near the steps where he was fatally shot at the Thompson Center. A memorial service was held at noon to mark one year since the commander was killed in the line of duty.

Bauer was shot multiple times last February by Shomari Legghette, police said. Bauer went after Legghette, and after a struggle, he pulled Bauer into a stairwell outside the Thompson Center, police said.

Legghette fired seven shots, killing the commander, according to police. Bauer never opened fire with his own weapon, police said.

Legghette, 44, was charged with first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and armed violence.

Bauer, 53, was a 31-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. His family, friends and colleagues gathered Wednesday to remember his legacy.

Bauer joined the CPD in 1986, and his career led him to work all across the city. He was named commander of the Near North 18th District in 2015. During his time in that district, Bauer participated in the monthly Coffee With a Commander program, a reach-out intiative that allowed the public to meet and talk with the officers who serve their community.

In a September 2017 interview aired on WCIU-TV, Bauer praised the program as being instrumental in building trust between residents and police, a trust that has been lost following incidents such as the Laquan McDonald shooting.

Before he was in charge of the Near North District, Bauer led CPD's mounted division, in which he managed 30 horses and officers at some of the city's biggest events, such as the Taste of Chicago. His position also included handling crowd control during the unruly celebration around Wrigleyville after the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2013.

Bauer also helped the families of officers hurt or killed in the line of duty through the nonprofit Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

Read also:

• 4-Time Felon Charged With Murder Of Chicago Cop
  
• Blue Ribbons, Flags Honor Paul Bauer
  
• Learn How Slain Chicago Cop Spent His 31-Year Career
  
• Chicago Police Commander Gunned Down At Thompson Center

Tim Moran contributed to this report.