Residents of Chicago can help the grieving wife and daughter of a fallen Chicago police commander by making direct donations at any Chicago Patrolman’s Federal Credit Union, the department's superintendent says.
During a press conference announcing charges against Cmdr. Paul Bauer's alleged killer, Chicago police Supt. Eddie Johnson took a moment to inform reporters how residents could donate to the fallen policeman's family.
“You can stop at any Chicago Patrolman’s Federal Credit Union location and donate to the Bauer memorial account, which will go directly to his wife and daughter,” Johnson said.
Police later said donations can also be made at www.cpdmemorial.org.
The superintendent said Bauer's family paid the "ultimate price."
“The city lost a piece of itself and a family lost a loving father and husband,” he said.
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Bauer was a 31-year veteran of the department and most recently served as the commander of the 18th District covering a large portion of downtown Chicago, the Near North neighborhood and parts of Lincoln Park.
A graduate of St. Ignatious College Preparatory, he earned his bachelors degree from Northern Illinois University as well as a Master of Public Administration degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Bauer joined the department in July of 1986. He served in the department's "elite" Mounted Unite on horseback. Horses in that unit are named for fallen officers.
Over his years of service, Bauer saw many promotions until eventually coming to the the 18th District in 2016 where he earned a reputation for leading by example and engaging with the community he served.
"Commander Bauer also made community outreach a priority, attending countless public meetings and hosting a monthly Coffee with the Commander meeting in his district," the department said in a statement.
He earned 67 award and honorable mentions, including two for crime reduction, the department said.
Bauer leaves behind his wife, Erin, and his 13-year-old daughter Grace.
