Cmdr. Bauer's widow releases emotional letter thanking city
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The widow of a Chicago police commander fatally shot at the Thompson Center in the Loop last week has released a letter thanking the city.
In the letter released on the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's website Tuesday, Commander Paul Bauer's wife, Erin, thanked all those who have offered support since her husband's murder:
"Erin and Grace have helped prop up the police department. They have. And they truly are the epitome of what is 'Chicago strong,'" said Superintendent Eddie Johnson Tuesday.
Johnson expressed his own gratitude for the flowers, cards and food deliveries for officers that have come from residents and business owners this past week.
"Whoever did what they can do, the fact that they did it, held us in your prayers, trust me when I tell you that is the fuel that is keeping us going," Johnson said. "This is difficult, and it's going to be difficult. It's going to take some time to get back to some sense of normalcy."
CPD officer escorted Grace Bauer to school in the South Loop Tuesday morning, which they plan to keep doing.
COMMANDER BAUER LAID TO REST
Thousands of mourners gathered Saturday morning for Cmdr. Bauer's funeral after he was gunned down last week at the Thompson Center.
More than 400 police agencies were represented, including the Minneapolis and Milwaukee police departments, as well as departments throughout the Chicago area.
"He understood that there's no greater compliment than a compliment that you get from your officers," said CPD Captain Mel Roman.
Bauer's 13-year-old daughter, Grace, did the first reading, and Captain Mel Roman and Chief John Escalante, who was Bauer's friend since first grade, gave remarks.
"You could see we're still those same kids from Gage Park," Escalante said. "And our sense of humor always goes back to being those same kids from Gage Park, and for me with Paul, I'll tell you that's what helped me get through 30 years of the Chicago Police Department."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Supt. Eddie Johnson and Gov. Bruce Rauner also spoke.
"Paul, I'm going to miss you," Johnson said. "And while there are no words I can say to describe the depth of my gratitude, I just want to say thank you."
"Chicago is blessed to have known and been served by Paul Bauer. Chicago will never forget his grace and his goodness," Emanuel said.
Archbishop Blase Cupich sent a letter to Bauer's family, which was read by Rev. Joe Altman, in which he called Bauer a hero and told them that they are not alone, as Chicago mourns with them. The letter said that Cupich wanted to attend, but was recovering from the flu, but said he would visit them soon.
The public was encouraged to participate by lining up along the procession route and wearing blue, and thousands came out with flags and signs. 1,000 vehicles led the way for Bauer's hearse.
"He seems like someone who wasn't looking for a lot of glory," said Bridgeport resident Alanna O'Connor, who attended the procession. "He was just serving. It makes me immensely proud of this neighborhood and this family and this city."
The procession traveled proceed west on 37th Street, south on Halsted Street, east on Pershing Road, to 90/94 East to I-57 South to 111th Street.
"The entire community is out here to support everyone," said Bridgeport resident Tim Heise. "One of the greatest things I saw yesterday.There was a rainbow of every color police cars in Illinois, lined down the street, which was pretty spectacular."
Among those officers was Kankakee Sheriff Mike Downey. Downey said he had never met Bauer but would not have missed his memorial.
"It is a brotherhood," Downey said. "And you'll see people here from out of state. And it's a credit for them, a credit for the profession. We have each other's back."
The miles-long procession traveled from Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in south suburban Alsip, arriving just before 3 p.m.
"Just the greatest friend you could ever have," CPD Sergeant Michael Corlett said of Bauer. "I do have a son and daughter, and I would want my son to be the man Paul Bauer is, and I would want my daughter to marry a man like Paul Bauer."
SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
Meanwhile the murder suspect 44 year old Shomari Legghette has been charged with first degree murder of a police officer. Prosecutors said he shot commander Bauer six times. Bauer was assisting officers who were trying to make a street stop on Legghette.
