DePaul's Public Safety Department worked closely with Paul Bauer, who served as commander for the 18th Police District on the city's Near North Side, which encompasses much of the Lincoln Park Campus. (DePaul University/Rae Kirby)
DePaul University has lowered its flags to half-staff in honor of Commander Paul Bauer, a 31-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who was fatally shot on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
Bauer served as commander for the 18th Police District on the city's Near North Side, which encompasses much of the Lincoln Park Campus.
Commander Paul Bauer (Courtesy of Chicago Police Department)"The DePaul community grieves with the Chicago Police Department, and especially Commander Bauer's wife and daughter," says DePaul President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D. "We are heartbroken over this devastating loss."
DePaul's Public Safety Department collaborated closely with Bauer and his colleagues on a regular basis.
"Commander Bauer worked with us on a personal basis whenever there was criminal activity in the area to ensure steps were taken to prevent further harm to the community," says Bob Wachowski, director of DePaul's Public Safety Department.
Bauer and his colleagues were especially vital during large speaker events and protests on campus, Wachowski adds.
"Commander Bauer and his team kept the peace and made sure that our students remained safe," Wachowski says. "He accomplished all this while treating everyone with dignity and respect, even in the tensest moments."
In addition to being known for his dedication to serving the Chicago community, Bauer worked extensively with the mounted patrol. For many years, he was commander of the Chicago Police Department's mounted patrol unit and had a major role in key events, including the Blackhawks victory celebrations.
"Commander Bauer put a great deal of time and energy into keeping DePaul students as safe and secure as possible," says Bob Janis, vice president for DePaul's Facility Operations. "He really cared about DePaul and its students. The city has truly lost an upstanding law enforcement public servant and dedicated citizen."
DePaul held a moment of silence for Bauer and his family before the DePaul men's basketball game on Feb. 14 in the Wintrust Arena. The university also has requested Commander Bauer be remembered in perpetuity by the Vincentian Association of the Miraculous Medal in their monthly novena of Masses.