A vigil for slain Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer was held Wednesday night outside the respected public servant's 18th District Headquarters attracting neighbors, cops and city residents.
Emotions were still raw, but many of those in attendance said they were grateful for how Bauer empowered them to stand with their neighborhood’s police officers in fighting crime through the CAPS and court advocacy programs.
“Paul Bauer was a guardian angel for people here,” said Mike Riordan, of the River North Neighborhoods Residents Association.
Flowers, candles and prayers were offered to help begin the healing.
While all alone a young man from northwest Indiana came to tie blue ribbons in the Cmdr’s honor.
“I saw the unfortunate news and just wanted to do something..." Joseph Osiecki, an aspiring police officer told NBC 5.
In the background the gritty work of serving and protecting the 18th District grinds on.
Local
Just like the man who led by example did on the day he died when Ald. Hopkins was waiting for him at City Hall and heard the call of shots fired.
“He was never not a cop," Hopkins said.
